Every year in early January, Earth reaches a specific point in its orbit called perihelion . In 2026, this occurs on: January 3, 2026 approximately 12:15 p.m. EST (17:15 UTC) roughly 91.4 million miles (147.1 million km)

The story of how we get there is one of subtle celestial geometry rather than dramatic seasonal shifts. The Great Ellipse

To appreciate the significance of perihelion, let's compare it to aphelion, the farthest point from the Sun.

When Is Earth Closest To The Sun Now

Every year in early January, Earth reaches a specific point in its orbit called perihelion . In 2026, this occurs on: January 3, 2026 approximately 12:15 p.m. EST (17:15 UTC) roughly 91.4 million miles (147.1 million km)

The story of how we get there is one of subtle celestial geometry rather than dramatic seasonal shifts. The Great Ellipse when is earth closest to the sun

To appreciate the significance of perihelion, let's compare it to aphelion, the farthest point from the Sun. Every year in early January, Earth reaches a