Earth's Closest Approach to the Sun in 2026
On January 3, 2026, Earth will reach its closest point to the Sun during its annual orbit, an event known as perihelion. This occurrence means the Sun will appear marginally larger in the sky compared to other times of the year.
Orbital Mechanics
Earth's orbit around the Sun is elliptical, not perfectly circular. While the average distance is 93 million miles (150 million kilometers), this distance varies by approximately 3% throughout the year.
The perihelion in 2026 is scheduled for 12:15 p.m. EST (1715 GMT) on January 3. At this precise moment, Earth will be approximately 91,498,806 miles (147,253,054 km) from the Sun.
Conversely, at its farthest point, known as aphelion, Earth is an additional 3.1 million miles (5 million km) away from the Sun.
Observable and Climatic Effects
During perihelion, the Sun's angular size will be approximately 32 arcminutes and 31 arcseconds. This is a slight increase compared to aphelion, when its angular size measures 31 arcminutes and 27 arcseconds. This difference is minimal and not typically noticeable without specialized equipment.
The variation in Earth's distance from the Sun during perihelion has no significant impact on global temperatures or the progression of seasons. Seasonal changes are primarily determined by the 23.4-degree tilt of Earth's rotational axis relative to its orbital plane around the Sun.
Solar Observation Safety
Direct observation of the Sun without appropriate protective equipment, such as a certified solar filter for telescopes or binoculars, can result in permanent eye damage. It is crucial to always use specialized and safe viewing methods when observing the Sun.