Author
Home > Science > What is the Difference Between Perihelion and Aphelion?

Guilherme Mazui

•2 minutes to read

What is the Difference Between Perihelion and Aphelion?

🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚

The key difference between perihelion and aphelion lies in their distance from the Sun. Perihelion is the point in the orbit of a celestial body, such as a planet or asteroid, where it is closest to the Sun, while aphelion is the point where it is farthest from the Sun. Here are some key points to help you understand the difference:

  • Perihelion: The Earth is closest to the Sun during perihelion, which usually occurs around January 3rd. At perihelion, the distance between the Earth and the Sun is approximately 91.4 million miles.
  • Aphelion: The Earth is farthest away from the Sun during aphelion, which typically occurs around July 4th. At aphelion, the distance between the Earth and the Sun is approximately 94.5 million miles.

In summary, perihelion is the nearest point to the Sun, and it occurs in January, while aphelion is the farthest point from the Sun, and it occurs in July.

On this page
  • What is the Difference Between Perihelion and Aphelion?
  • Comparative Table: Perihelion vs Aphelion

    • Comparative Table: Perihelion vs Aphelion

    The difference between perihelion and aphelion can be summarized as follows:

    Feature Perihelion Aphelion
    Definition Perihelion is the point in the orbit of a planet, asteroid, or comet that is nearest to the Sun. Aphelion is the point in the orbit of a planet, asteroid, or comet that is farthest from the Sun.
    Distance Closest point to the Sun in a planetary orbit. Farthest point from the Sun in a planetary orbit.
    Time Earth's perihelion occurs every year on January 3rd. Earth's aphelion occurs around July 4th.
    Speed Objects move slowest in their orbits when they are at aphelion. Objects move fastest in their orbits when they are at perihelion.
    Read more:

    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.