Aphelion Phenomenon: The Sun is Moving Away, but That's Not Why You're Shivering

Are you feeling cold? Could it be due to the aphelion phenomenon? Aphelion is the point in Earth's orbit where it is farthest from the Sun. Although this distance varies by several million kilometers, experts clarify that these variations do not have a significant impact on the seasons or weather conditions we experience.

The freezing cold we currently feel is more likely the result of a high-pressure system in the region and the tilt of Earth's rotational axis in relation to its orbit around the Sun.

Right now, temperatures in Mauritius are particularly cool, ranging between 15 and 17 °C. On social media, some comment: "Of course, the Earth is farther from the Sun!"

Well, that’s true… but it’s not the real cause of the cold.

Since early July, we have indeed been at aphelion: the point where Earth is about 152 million kilometers from the Sun. To put it in perspective, that’s roughly 400 round trips to the Moon.

It is also true that this coincides with winter in the Southern Hemisphere. However, it’s not this distance that triggers the seasons; it’s the 23.5° tilt of Earth’s axis that alters the angle and duration of sunlight throughout the year.

The aphelion has minimal effect: at the same latitude, winters are slightly colder in the Southern Hemisphere than in the Northern Hemisphere.

But in Mauritius, the cold we’re experiencing now is mainly due to the dry air coming from the south, the thermal inertia of the ocean, and the sustained easterly winds that cool the island.

So no, the Sun hasn’t forgotten you. It’s simply following its orbit, just like every year.