Earth reaches aphelion today, 3 July 2025, at 3:54 p.m. Eastern Time (19:54 GMT), positioning the planet about 152 million kilometres (94.5 million miles) from the Sun, according to calculations by the Paris Observatory and NASA. The distance is roughly five million kilometres greater than at perihelion on 4 January, when Earth was closest to the Sun. Because Earth’s orbit is slightly elliptical, its speed varies through the year. At aphelion the planet moves at just under 29 kilometres per second—more than 1 km/s slower than at perihelion—so the Sun appears about 6 percent dimmer and delivers roughly 7 percent less solar energy to the top of the atmosphere. The increased distance does not moderate summer heat in the Northern Hemisphere. Seasonal temperatures are governed primarily by the planet’s 23.5-degree axial tilt, which directs more intense sunlight and longer daylight hours toward northern latitudes in June and July. Much of the United States, for example, is forecast to see highs near or above 38 °C despite today’s aphelion. Aphelion and perihelion dates drift over centuries because of gravitational tugs from Jupiter and Saturn, a component of the Milankovitch cycles that also alter the shape of Earth’s orbit. This year’s aphelion falls within the usual 2–7 July window; in 2026 it is expected on 6 July.