The average distance from the Earth to the Sun is about 93 million miles (150 million kilometers), which is defined as 1 Astronomical Unit (AU)
. This distance varies slightly because Earth's orbit is elliptical, 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, the distance is approximately 151 million kilometers, or about 1.01 AU, and light from the Sun takes roughly 8 minutes and 24 seconds to reach Earth
. Over long periods, Earth is slowly moving farther from the Sun by about 6 centimeters per year due to the Sun losing mass
. In summary:
- Average distance: ~93 million miles / 150 million km (1 AU)
- Closest distance: ~91.4 million miles / 147.1 million km
- Farthest distance: ~94.5 million miles / 152.1 million km
- Current distance: ~151 million km (about 1.01 AU)
- Light travel time: ~8 minutes 24 seconds
- Earth slowly drifting away at ~6 cm/year
This distance is fundamental in astronomy as the unit "Astronomical Unit" is based on it
