Date
Friday
Jan

January 3

Perihelion Day

On Perihelion Day, Earth is closest to the Sun. Join us in exploring this astronomical wonder and its impact on our planet.

Type
Day

Introduction

Mark your calendars and ready your telescopes for Perihelion Day, which takes place on January 3rd! On this special day, our blue planet is at its closest point to the Sun during its annual orbit. The term ‘perihelion’ originates from the Greek words 'peri', meaning near, and 'Helios', the Greek god of the sun. This celestial event provides us a special perspective on the sun's light and heat, and serves as a wonderful opportunity to gain a greater appreciation for the complex and beautiful mechanisms of our solar system. Get ready for a day full of astronomical fascination and solar spectacles!

Perihelion Day Timeline

1473
Copernican Heliocentrism Theory
Nicolaus Copernicus is born, who would later propose the heliocentric model, where the Earth orbits around the Sun.
1609
Kepler's First Law
Johannes Kepler formulates his first law of planetary motion, states that planets orbit the sun along an elliptical path with the Sun at one focus.
1801
Discovery of the Perihelion
The perihelion of the Earth was first calculated accurately by Johann Franz Encke in Berlin.
1962
NASA's Mariner 2
NASA's Mariner 2 becomes the first successful interplanetary spacecraft, providing valuable data about the sun and Venus during perihelion.
1977
Voyager 1 Launch
Launched in 1977, Voyager 1 has provided images and information of our solar system and beyond including data during Earth's perihelion.
2003
Perihelion Day Celebration
The continual observation and recognition of Earth's perihelion gains popularity, leading to the informal recognition of Perihelion Day.

How to Celebrate Perihelion Day

1

Turn a solar picnic into a learning opportunity

Gather your family and friends for a solar-themed picnic where you can also educate them about the significance of Perihelion Day. For an added bonus, plan some activities like sun themed crafts or solar system trivia games.

2

Organize a Sunrise or Sunset watch party

Given that the Earth is nearest to the sun on this day, it's a great chance to witness and appreciate a stunning sunrise or sunset. Warm up some hot cocoa, dress warm, and enjoy the view.

3

Celebration through Art

Turn this astronomical event into an inspiration for art. Paint or draw a picture inspired by Perihelion Day. This could be a representation of the sun, the solar system or even Greek God Helios.

4

Engaging in Solar Cooking

Use this day to explore the concept of solar cooking. Make simple solar ovens using cardboard boxes and aluminium foil to cook marshmallows or make S'mores. It’s fun, educational, and delicious!

5

Visit a Local Planetarium or Science Museum

To acknowledge the occasion and learn more about our solar system, visit a local planetarium or science museum. The events held in such places often provide interactive ways to understand complex astronomy concepts.

Why Perihelion Day is Important

A

Enhances Our Understanding of the Solar System

On Perihelion Day, we gain a special perspective on the sun's light and heat, enhancing our understanding of Earth's place in the solar system. It provides an exciting opportunity to delve deeper into the celestial mechanisms that shape our world.

B

An Excuse to Engage in Stellar Activities

Perihelion Day offers various fun and educational activities - from solar-themed picnics to creating art inspired by the celestial event, to engaging in solar cooking. These communal activities not only celebrate the astronomical event but also provide a fun way to learn.

C

Connects Us with Nature and Science

Observing natural wonders such as the sunrise or sunset on Perihelion Day allows us to feel more connected with the world around us. Moreover, visits to planetariums or science museums can be a fun, interactive way to appreciate the wonders of astronomy and science.