Question
Download Solution PDFWhen the Earth is closest to the sun, it is known as?
Answer (Detailed Solution Below)
Detailed Solution
Download Solution PDFThe correct option is Perihelion.
Earth's Perihelion and Aphelion:
- The Earth is closest to the Sun, or at the Perihelion, about 2 weeks after the December Solstice, when it is winter in the Northern Hemisphere.
- Conversely, the Earth is farthest away from the Sun, at the Aphelion point, 2 weeks after the June Solstice, when the Northern Hemisphere is enjoying warm summer months.
- Mathematicians and astronomers estimate that in the year 6430, over 4000 years from now, the timing of the Perihelion and the March Equinox will coincide.
Perigee and Apogee:
- Like the Earth's orbit around the Sun, the Moon's path around the Earth is elliptical.
- The point in the Moon's orbit that is closest to the Earth is called the Perigee and the point farthest from the Earth is known as the Apogee.
- The terms are also sometimes used interchangeably with the Earth's Perihelion and Aphelion.
Perihelion: The Earth reaches its perihelion on January 3 every year at a distance of about 147 million km from the Sun.
Aphelion: The Earth reaches its aphelion on July 4 every year when the Earth is at a distance of 152 million km.
Last updated on Jul 8, 2025
->UPSC NDA Application Correction Window is open from 7th July to 9th July 2025.
->UPSC had extended the UPSC NDA 2 Registration Date till 20th June 2025.
-> A total of 406 vacancies have been announced for NDA 2 Exam 2025.
->The NDA exam date 2025 has been announced. The written examination will be held on 14th September 2025.
-> The selection process for the NDA exam includes a Written Exam and SSB Interview.
-> Candidates who get successful selection under UPSC NDA will get a salary range between Rs. 15,600 to Rs. 39,100.
-> Candidates must go through the NDA previous year question paper. Attempting the NDA mock test is also essential.