Final answer:
The Earth is closest to the Sun during the Northern Hemisphere winter, but winter occurs not due to this proximity, but because of the tilt of the Earth's axis, which reduces direct sunlight. The correct option is B.
Step-by-step explanation:
Despite the proximity to the Sun, the Northern Hemisphere experiences winter due to the 23.5° tilt of the Earth's axis, not because of the distance from the Sun.
Earth's orbit around the Sun is elliptical, resulting in the planet being closest to the Sun in January, which is typically when the Northern Hemisphere is colder. However, this closeness increases solar radiation received by the planet by only 3%, which is not sufficient to cause significant variations in temperature.
Our seasons are indeed influenced by the tilt of Earth's axis rather than the distance from the Sun. As the Earth orbits the Sun, the Northern Hemisphere leans away during winter, reducing direct sunlight and causing colder temperatures, while the Southern Hemisphere leans into the Sun, enjoying summer. This tilt remains constant throughout Earth's orbit, maintaining opposite seasons in the two hemispheres.
Hence, Option B is correct.