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Alexander BesantJuly 6, 2012 15:07
Despite record heat, sun farthest from Earth this week
According to astronomers, the sun's orbit reached what is known as "aphelion" at 12 a.m. ET on Thursday July 5.
According to astronomers, the sun's orbit reached what is known as "aphelion" at 12 a.m. ET on Thursday July 5.
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The sun is at its farthest point from Earth this week despite record warm temperatures. (AFP/AFP/Getty Images)
The sun is at its farthest point from Earth this week.
According to astronomers, the sun's orbit reached what is known as "aphelion" at 12 a.m. ET on Thursday July 5.
Although most people think that the Earth orbits the sun in a perfect circle, it is actually an ellipse.
Space reported that Earth is typically about 93 million miles away from the sun, while at aphelion it is 94.5 million away - 3.28 percent farther.
This means that the sun will appear three percent smaller in the sky - a phenomenon not noticeable without a telescope.
More from GlobalPost: Germany battles over future of solar
Though some might think that the sun's distance might affect weather or climate, just the opposite is true.
"Aphelion," when the sun is closest, occured in the dead of winter - January 3.
This year the closest point was 92,955,807 miles, reported National Geographic.
More from GlobalPost: Solar eclipse: 'Ring of fire' visible in parts of Asia, Pacific and US (PHOTOS)
http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/science/120706/despite-record-heat-sun-farthest-earth-week
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