A Common Misconception About Winter

It’s a common misconception that the Earth is farther away from the sun during the winter months. We even published this incorrect statement in Early to Rise.

But, as Brad M. and several other ETR readers pointed out, the Earth’s orbit has nothing to do with whether we have cold or hot weather. In fact, our planet is closest to the sun in early January.

The change in seasons is caused by the tilt of Earth’s axis. Right now, the northern hemisphere of Earth is tilting away from the sun and the southern hemisphere is tilting toward the sun – which means that, right now, we are farther from the sun and the southern hemisphere is closer. So it’s winter here and summer in Australia. But, come June, the Earth’s tilt, and the seasons, will be reversed.

(Source: Space.com)

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