"In space terms, it’s a pebble's throw," Elias laughed. "But here is the key: Earth’s axis is tilted at 23.5 degrees. Because of that tilt, right now, the Northern Hemisphere is leaning away from the Sun. Even though the Sun is physically closer to Earth, its rays are hitting us at a low, glancing angle. They are spread out over a wider area, and they have to pass through more atmosphere to get to us."
