As summer approaches in the Northern Hemisphere, it may seem counterintuitive that the planet is at its farthest point from the sun. However, this year, our distance from the sun has only resulted in a tiny 3.3% difference compared to its closest point.
The real reason for seasonal temperature changes lies not in the planet’s distance but in its tilt of about 23.5 degrees. This spin angle causes different parts of the globe to receive varying amounts of sunlight throughout the year, resulting in longer days and more direct sunlight during summer.
While it may seem like a significant difference, even a slight change in distance results in only a small drop – approximately 7% less solar energy reaching the planet. In contrast, Earth’s tilt has a profound impact on seasonal patterns, with cities near 30 degrees north experiencing more than double the amount of solar energy during summer compared to winter.
The difference is stark. Cities like New York and Denver see solar energy increase from about 145 watts per square meter in winter to 430 in summer – nearly a 300% difference. The power of Earth’s tilt far outweighs the effect of its distance, shaping our seasonal patterns more significantly than ever.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/07/05/weather/aphelion-sun-summer-heat-climate