Here in the United States, the 4th of July is a holiday. We celebrate the birth of our nation. It’s a holiday filled with fireworks and parties.

July 4th is also aphelion. This is the day of the year when the earth is at its farthest from the sun. Yet, even though we get 1.7% less solar radiation, the earth is actually overall warmer on this day than it is when we are at the closest to the sun! Strange, isn’t it?

For a good explanation of this odd fact, check out this article at spaceweather.com.