3 Jan
2011
3 Jan
'11
1:14 p.m.
Today marks the earth's closest approach to the sun during the year. 147 million kilometers. It also marks our highest speed in the orbit around the sun. 30.29 kilometers per second. For contrast, on July 4th we will be at aphelion 152 million kilometers our farthest from the sun and traveling 29.29 kilometers per second, our slowest of the year. This comes about from our slightly elliptical orbit around the sun. e equals 0.0167. Happy Perihelion. DT