Today the Earth reaches its annual perihelion, which is the point in its orbit when it's closest to the Sun. Each year the perihelion occurs about two weeks after the Winter Solstice. The word comes from the Greek 'peri' meaning close, and 'helios' meaning Sun. At this point in the Earth's elliptical orbit around the Sun, they are a mere 91,399,454 miles apart. In July, when they reach their furthest point from each other - the aphelion - they will be 94,510,886 miles apart, a difference of more than 3 million miles.
It seems strange therefore that most people are unaware of the perihelion and aphelion and that they are imperceptible to the naked eye - not of course that we should be looking directly at the Sun at any time! It's yet another reminder of the immensity of our world and the solar system of which it is a part. It's amazing to think of the vast, intricately choreographed dance of celestial objects which continues ceaselessly - for the most part completely unheeded by us.
Winter Blessings and Beauties: Day 63
Perihelion
As we reach our closest point to the Sun - the closest we will be to it during the whole year - mark the occasion by lighting a candle. Dedicate it to the beautiful, life-giving Sun, and give thanks for all the light, warmth, and energy received by our small planet.
1 comment:
How interesting...and we are in the depths of Winter despite being closer to the sun! Happy New Year. x
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