Earth reaches perihelion in 2024: understanding the consequences

Astronomy is a science that captivates the imagination and curiousity For many people around the world since ancient times, when the first inhabitants of Mesopotamia devoted themselves to “counting the stars.”

Since those ancient times, observing the night sky in particular has been a source of inspiration and wonder, revealing astonishing phenomena that challenge our understanding of the universe.

Turn Astronomical phenomenaSuch as solar eclipses, the movement of planets, and the passage of comets that can be seen with the naked eye, are real windows that open to reveal cosmic mysteries.

In this never-ending fun topic, let’s delve into the details of two important orbital events: Apogee And the Perihelion.

These terms describe the extreme points of the Earth’s orbit around the Sun and have major implications for the weather and seasons here on Earth.

Want to know more? Continue reading!

Because Earth’s orbit is elliptical rather than circular, Earth’s orbit allows the planet to approach and move away from the Sun in similar proportions. Image: reproduction

Aphelion: The Earth is at its farthest point from the Sun

The apogee is the point in an orbit Land It is farthest from the sun, and this happens because the Earth’s orbit is not completely circular, but rather elliptical.

This phenomenon is opposite perihelion, which is the closest point to the sun. This phenomenon occurs annually around July 4, when Earth is approximately 152 million kilometers from the star.

Although this difference may seem insignificant, it affects the climate and seasons on Earth, contributing to seasonal variation.

At aphelion, the Earth receives approximately 7% less solar radiation than at perihelion. This means that summer in the Northern Hemisphere is slightly longer than winter, which affects weather patterns and natural phenomena.

Perigee: When the Earth approaches the Sun

As mentioned briefly above, perihelion is the point in Earth’s orbit at which the planet is closest to the Sun. This happens around January 2, when the Earth is about 147 million kilometers from the Sun. sun.

In contrast to apogee, the intensity of solar radiation is greatest at perihelion, which may contribute to a slight increase in average temperatures and affect climate on a global scale.

Perigee occurred on January 2, 2024 and was an event that was widely observed and studied by the scientific community.

At these times, scientists can study the interaction of solar radiation with the Earth’s atmosphere and its effect on climate conditions.