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How fast does the earth travel around the sun
How fast does the earth travel around the sun
The Earth orbits the Sun at an average speed of about 18.5 miles per second (29.78 kilometers per second), or 67,000 miles per hour (107,000 kilometers per hour). This is due to Earth’s elliptical orbit around the Sun. Earth travels fastest when it is closest to the Sun at the perihelion (January 3), and slowest when Earth is farthest from the Sun at aphelion (July 4).
Some more details:
- At perihelion, Earth orbits at about 30 kilometers per second.
- At aphelion, Earth orbits at about 29 kilometers per second.
- This difference in speeds gives Earth an elliptical (oval shaped) orbit rather than a perfect circle.
- The extra speed at perihelion compensates for Earth being closer to the Sun, resulting in Earth still taking about 365 days to complete one full orbit.
- Earth’s orbital speed is determined by gravitational forces between Earth and the Sun, as well as the Sun’s mass and Earth’s distance from the Sun.
So in summary, while Earth’s orbital speed around the Sun varies slightly throughout the year, it generally orbits at around 30 kilometers per second or 67,000 miles per hour. This incredible speed is due to the enormous gravity of the Sun and allows Earth to complete one full orbit in approximately 365 days.