Freaky Cool Astronomy: Earth Just Reached Its Highest Speed of Year and Closest to Sun

Published 01/07/26 at 7:55 a.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Manzanita, Oregon) – Not that you could be able to tell, but Earth at this moment is going its zippiest that it will all year. And believe it or not, even though it's winter here, we are at our closest to the sun as well.

Space, the solar system and the world we're on can make for some real surprises – even weirdly so.

To be more exact, we just passed the perihelion – or the closest we get to the sun.

Even as you look at that weak winter orb while goofing around beaches of the Oregon coast or Washington coast, it's closer than you probably thought.

Jim Todd, astronomy expert at Portland's OMSI, told Oregon Coast Beach Connection these odd little nuggets about our star (called Sol, actually) and our relationship to it.

“On January 3, 2026, at approximately 12:15 PM EST (17:15 UTC), Earth reached perihelion, the point in its elliptical orbit where it is closest to the Sun,” Todd said.

This, in turn, dictates our speed as the planet moves in orbit.

“Because Earth is at its closest point (approx. 91.4 million miles), the Sun's gravitational pull is strongest, accelerating the planet to its maximum orbital velocity of roughly 67,700 mph (30.3 km/s),” Todd said.

This happens because Earth's orbit is an ellipse – not an actual circle. So that means there is always going to be a closest point and a farthest point (as NASA has pointed out).

Astronomy News, Updates from Oregon Coast, Washington Coast Astronomy from a Pacific Northwest Perspective: stargazing, space science, meteors, aurora borealis, interstellar phenomena, surprises in the skies

“Earth is about 3 million miles (5 million km) closer to the Sun today than it will be at its farthest point (aphelion) on July 6, 2026,” Todd said.

We will be some 94 million miles away from the sun in July.

We all know seasons come from the tilt of the Earth. Yet here comes a mammoth surprise for some: us being closer or farther away from the sun has nothing to do with seasons. NASA said it's only a coincidence that the solstice happens so close to this turn in our seasons.

Todd said this speed also decides how long winter lasts up here.

“Because Earth moves faster during this period, it covers the distance between the December solstice and the March equinox more quickly,” Todd said. “This makes the Northern Hemisphere's winter (and Southern Hemisphere's summer) the shortest season, lasting just under 89 days.”

Oregon Coast Hotels in this area - South Coast Hotels - Oregon Coast Vacation Rentals - Where to eat - Maps - Virtual Tours

 

New at Neskowin: Vacation Rental a Gateway to Secluded, Even Exotic Stretch o...
Neskowin North is just killin' it with oceanfront glory and a unique beach. Neskowing lodging reviews, Pacific City reviews, Pacific City hotels

Off The Beaten Path In Lincoln City, View to Gnarly or Nice on Oregon Coast
Nothing but surf and lovely amenities in a hidden part of Lincoln City. Lincoln City hotel reviews. Pelican Shores Inn

Central Oregon Coast's Summerlike Sept and Oct Getting Booked Up - Some Renta...
Lincoln City's Keystone: brief rental openings in Sept, slightly more Oct. Lincoln City hotel reviews. Depoe Bay hotel reviews

A1 Beach Rentals - Reviews of Lincoln City
Not far from Neskowin or Depoe Bay: amazing oceanfront option or near the ocean. Often the least expensive rental agency in the region

More About Oregon Coast hotels, lodging.....

More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining.....

Washington Coast / Oregon Coast Articles (stories are random: hit reload to see different articles)

Scientists Find First Mama Gray Whale and Calf of Migration Season Off Washington Coast
Video, First sign of good news: baby whale is plump, well fed. Marine sciences

Orcas from This Week ID'd as Some Show Up on South Oregon Coast
Killer whales appear around Winchester Bay, Coos Bay. Newport, marine sciences

Fourth of July Sky Show Returns to Central Oregon Coast's Newport
8 Jun 2026 at 12:09am
July 4 fireworks and a few days of fun Newport events

South Oregon Coast's BBQ, Blues, Brews and Bourbon Fest Hits Coos Bay Area Soon
South coast's biggest Memorial Day traditions May 23 - 24. Coos Bay events, North Bend events. Food, dining, restaurants

2026 Elections: Oregon's Measure 120 Goes Down Fast - At Least So Far
20 May 2026 at 12:34am
Controversial gas tax is out, says Associated Press. Traffic

South Oregon Coast's Food Truck Off and Blackberry Arts Festival Return This Summer
20 May 2026 at 12:34am
Truck-Off August 7 - 9, Blackberry Fest August 22 - 23. Coos Bay events, North Bend events, Charleston events

Eastern Oregon: Authorities Seek Tips in Poaching Case, Deer Shot with Arrow
8 Jun 2026 at 12:09am
The deer was in great pain, had to be euthanized

Video: Orcas Bouncing, Jumping Out of the Surf in Spectacular Oregon Coast Display
19 Jun 2026 at 9:06am
Seal Rock was the site of wild jumps, tail slaps. Marine sciences. Whale

Back to Oregon Coast

Contact Advertise on Oregon Coast Beach Connection
All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright © Oregon Coast Beach Connection. Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted