The average distance from Earth to the Sun is about 93 million miles (150 million kilometers), which is defined as 1 Astronomical Unit (AU)
. However, because Earth's orbit is elliptical, this distance varies throughout the year, ranging from about 91.4 million miles (147.1 million km) at its closest (perihelion) to about 94.5 million miles (152.1 million km) at its farthest (aphelion)
. Currently, as of May 19, 2025, the distance from Earth to the Sun is approximately 151.3 million kilometers, or about 1.01 AU
. Additionally, over very long timescales, the Earth is slowly moving farther away from the Sun at a rate of about 6 centimeters (2.36 inches) per year due to the Sun losing mass from nuclear fusion and tidal interactions
. In summary:
- Average distance: ~93 million miles (150 million km) = 1 AU
- Closest distance (perihelion): ~91.4 million miles (147.1 million km)
- Farthest distance (aphelion): ~94.5 million miles (152.1 million km)
- Current distance (May 2025): ~151.3 million km (1.01 AU)
- Long-term trend: Earth drifting away from the Sun by about 6 cm per year
