When does the Earth achieve its lowest orbital speed during its orbit around the Sun?
Answer
Around July (aphelion).
The Earth's orbit possesses a slight eccentricity, approximately 0.0167, meaning its distance from the Sun varies throughout the year. According to the principles derived from Kepler's Second Law, the orbital speed is inversely related to the distance from the central body. The Earth reaches perihelion (closest approach to the Sun) around January, where its speed is highest. Conversely, the Earth reaches aphelion (farthest distance from the Sun) around July. At this farthest point, the gravitational pull is weakest, and consequently, the orbital speed drops to its lowest point during the annual cycle.
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