01/02/2023 – Ephemeris – The Earth is actually closest to the Sun this week

This is Ephemeris for Monday, January 2nd 2023. The Sun will rise at 8:20, the latest of the year. It’ll be up for 8 hours and 53 minutes, setting at 5:13. The Moon, halfway from first quarter to full, will set at 5:36 tomorrow morning.

We have a fun week ahead. The first week of the year is an active one in astronomy. Not all the events are visible, though some could, if it weren’t cloudy, as it is so much this time of the year. But active nonetheless. Like Wednesday’s perihelion. A what? The date the Earth is closest to the Sun in its orbit. We’re a million and a half miles closer to the Sun than average. It’s a teensy bit hotter, which is more than offset by the Sun’s arc low in the sky, plus it’s up less than 9 hours. However, it does make winter the shortest season, because the Earth moves faster when closer to the Sun. This is Northern Michigan, so you probably don’t believe me. Get out a calendar and count the days. Winter has 89 days, while summer has 93.

The astronomical event times given are for the Traverse City/Interlochen area of Michigan (EST, UT –5 hours). They may be different for your location.

Addendum

The Earth’s orbit, somewhat exaggerated, showing perihelion and the seasons. Credit “Starts with a Bang” blog by Ethan Siegel.