Literally as I write this the Earth is leaving the point in its orbit known as Perihelion. Simply, this is the point where Earth is closest to the Sun.
Now, many of you in the northern hemisphere may be looking outside at the wintery weather and wondering how that can be.
As it happens, however, the proximity of the Earth to the Sun during its year long trek along its orbit only accounts for very small variations in the surface temperature; at most a few degrees.
The main reason for the seasons is the tilt of the Earth's axis relative to the orbital plane.
Don't believe me, or want a full explanation? Read here for more details.
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Does any one know how many degrees (C) does the surface of earth increase during this perihelion period? Thanks.