How Far is the Sun from Us?

Dear Cadence,

Thank you for sending me this good question. The Earth's orbit around the Sun is elliptical (more like an oval than a perfect circle). On average, the Sun is 93 million miles from the Earth. This distance is perfect for life on Earth. If the Sun were 10 percent closer, we would burn up. However, if it were 10 percent farther away, we would freeze to death.

When the Earth's orbit brings it closer to the Sun, it speeds up in order to avoid being pulled into the Sun. As the Earth moves in its orbit, it departs from a straight line by 1/9th of an inch every 18 miles. It if departed from that orbit by 1/10th of an inch, we would freeze. If this departure were halved, the seasons would be doubled. Obviously, this arrangement is purposeful, not accidental. God created the solar system with us in mind. One evolutionist wrote that the Universe "appears to be designed." Thankfully, we have the privilege of serving that Designer, and praising Him for His creative work.

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