Earth is as far away from the sun as it ever gets. So why is it so hot? | CNN

On Thursday at 3:55 p.m. ET, our planet reached what’s called the aphelion — the most distant point in its orbit around the sun.

The real reason for seasonal temperature changes lies in the fact that Earth is tilted.

In July , the Northern Hemisphere is tilted toward the sun, bringing longer days and higher sun angles that lead to more direct sunlight.