Every year in early January, Earth reaches the closest point in its orbit to the Sun, a moment astronomers call perihelion.

Earth reaches its closest point to the sun in its 2026 orbit on Jan. 3. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works. The sun will appear ...

As the year gets underway, something important happens quietly in space while life on Earth carries on as usual. Our planet reaches the point in its yearly path where it moves closest to the sun.

James is a published author with multiple pop-history and science books to his name. He specializes in history, space, strange science, and anything out of the ordinary.View full profile James is a ...

When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. The sun captured during perihelion in the sky over Yinchuan, China in January 2024. | Credit: ...