Question

The following are the Earth–Sun distance at the equinoxes and solstices: March equinox 149.0 million km June solstice 152.0 million km September equinox 150.2 million km December solstice 147.2 million km During _____ the Earth is closest to the Sun and during _____ the Earth is farthest from the Sun.

Answer 1

During winter (late December/early January) the Earth is closest to the Sun and during summer (late June/early July) the Earth is farthest from the Sun.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the northern hemisphere, the earth usually comes closer to the sun during the time of winter season, mostly in late December or early January.

On the other hand, the earth is farthest from the sun during the time of summer season, mostly in late June or early July.

When the earth is closer to the sun, during the winter, it is comparatively cold. It is due to the absorption of a lesser amount of incoming solar radiation. The tilt of the earth is also responsible for this low temperature.

But, when the earth is farthest from the sun, during the summer, it is comparatively hot. It is due to the absorption of a large amount of incoming solar radiation.