Perihelion is that point in the elliptical orbit where Earth is
closest to Sun. Aphelion is at the opposite end of the ellipse,
where Earth is furthest from Sun.
- Variations in season lengths become more extreme as
eccentricity increases, because Earth moves faster near perihelion
and slower near aphelion, as per Kepler's Second Law of Planetary
Motion.
- As eccentricity increases the perihelion distance from Sun
decreases and the distance at aphelion increases, with consequent
decrease in time spent near perihelion and increase in time spent
near aphelion.
- Global mean temperatures may decrease as eccentricity
increases, due to more time spent further away from Sun.
- When perihelion is at a mid-season point the prior and next
season are equal and of median length.
- When perihelion is at an equinox or solstice the length of that
season equals the prior season length, and the opposite season
length matches its prior season length.
- At all other times, all seasons have unequal lengths which can
differ by as much as 7 days, or even more with higher orbital
eccentricity.
Calculation of the earths orbital eccentricity is
aattached