How Does Solstices vs Perihelion and Aphelion Work?

The sun and the earth dance together in two different ways that make our seasons and distances change.

Imagine the Earth is a spinning top. It stands up straight, but it leans to the side. This lean is called axial tilt. When the northern part of the Earth leans toward the sun, it is summer. When it leans away, it is winter. The points where the tilt is most extreme are called solstices. Think of it like a kid reaching for a cookie jar. If you lean forward, you are closer to the treat. If you lean back, you are further away. The solstice is the moment the lean is at its maximum.

Now imagine the Earth’s path around the sun is not a perfect circle. It is an oval shape. This shape is an ellipse. Because of this oval path, the Earth gets closer to the sun at some times and further away at others. The closest point is called perihelion. The furthest point is called aphelion. Think of a hula hoop. Sometimes you are right in the middle. Sometimes you are near the edge. Perihelion is like being near the inner rim. Aphelion is like being near the outer rim.

These two dances happen at different times! The tilt changes the seasons. The oval path changes the distance. They do not line up perfectly.