2026-01-03

Perihelion Day 2026

    Perihelion
Earth is closest to the Sun on the third of January 2026 at 12:15 pm EST and correspond to both a Super Wolf Moon and the Quadrantid meteor shower. These occurring together is considered rare in astronomical events.

Earth reaches its closest point in its elliptical orbit to the Sun, about 91.4 million miles (147.1 million km) away.

Though it's winter in the Northern Hemisphere the Sun appears larger and brighter in our sky. At Perihelion we are 3 million miles closer to the Sun than in January when we experience aphelion which correlates to being farther from the sun. Perihelion is known for happening soon after we experience winter solstice. This does not affect seasonal temperature which is a function of the earth's tilt. In in January the northern hemisphere is tilted away from the sun.