Does Distance from the Sun have an Effect on the Average High Temperatures of Cities

within 5 Degrees of the Equator

Jimmy Francis Bryn Benedict Sam Cohen

Abstract Perihelion, when earth is closest to the

sun, occurs during the first week of January each year. Aphelion, when earth is farthest from the sun, occurs during the first week of July each year. Analyzing the data of the average high temperatures of 38 cities within 5 degrees north of the equator and 5 degrees south, the researchers found that at these locations warmer temperatures when earth is closest to the sun at perihelion.

Introduction

The earth's orbit around the sun is not a circle. The earth's orbit around the sun is slightly elliptical. Therefore, the distance between the earth and the sun varies throughout the year. At its nearest point on the ellipse that is the earth's orbit around the sun, the earth is 91,445,000 miles (147,166,462 km) from the sun. This point in the earth's orbit is known as perihelion and it occurs around January 3.

The earth is farthest away from the sun around July 4 when it is 94,555,000 miles (152,171,522 km) from the sun. This point in the earth's orbit is called aphelion. The slight ellipse in the earth's orbit does have a slight impact on the amount of solar energy being received by the earth at perihelion .

Methods and Materials

The researcher’s analyzed the average high temperatures in January and July of 37 cities 5 degrees north and south of the equator. The researcher’s also looked at the mean monthly hours of sunshine for January and July for the 37 cities. Mean hours of sunlight and temperatures were compared within cities at different times with a paired ttest.

Results

Results

Natal

Kinshasa

Mombasa

Bujumbura

Palemban

g29

Guayaquil3

1Bele

m

Balikp

apan

29Quito

Macapá

Librev

ille

Mogadish

u

Santiag

o de Cali

Yaoundé

Malé

Bogotá

Bandar

Seri B

egaw

an

Abidjan

Puerto Ayac

ucho0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

January average high July average high

Discussion & Conclusion

The researchers conclude there is a difference in average high temperatures near the equator when the earth is closest to the sun or farthest from the sun. Those temperatures are higher when the planet is closer at perihelion in January.

References1.http://www.skepticalscience.com/

print.php?n=837

2.http://www.wunderground.com/

3.http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=1293861

4.http://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/planetary/factsheet/earthfact.html