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Claim: A viral message circulating on social media, especially Facebook and WhatsApp, claims that from “tomorrow at 5:00 AM” [July 30, 2026], the Earth will experience the aphelion phenomenon for 27 hours, after which the Earth will be much farther from the Sun, resulting in unusually cold weather until August. The message also claims that people should take vitamins because colds can cause the flu, coughing, and breathing problems.
Verdict: False! Although Earth reaches aphelion once every year, it does not cause unusually cold weather, nor does it significantly affect human health. Scientists say the Earth’s distance from the Sun changes only slightly during its orbit, and seasonal temperatures are determined mainly by the tilt of the Earth’s axis, not by Earth’s distance from the Sun.
Full Text
A message widely shared on WhatsApp, Facebook and other social media platforms claims that Earth will experience the “Aphelion Phenomenon,” during which the planet will be 152 million kilometres from the Sun, allegedly causing extreme cold until August.
On Facebook, the claim can be seen here, here, here, and here. Evident amongst them is one shared by a Ghanaian account named Herbert Mensah, with 815k followers.
He wrote: “SERIOUS COLD UNTIL AUGUST… TAKE NOTE: Starting tomorrow at 5:00 AM, for 27 hours, we will experience the APHELION PHENOMENON. The Earth will be very far from the Sun. We cannot see the phenomenon, but we CAN feel its impact. It will last until August.
“We will have colder weather than ever before, which can lead to flu, coughing, difficulty breathing, etc. We must boost our immunity by using plenty of vitamins and supplements to strengthen our health. The distance from the Earth to the Sun is normally 5 light-minutes or 90 million km. During the Aphelion phenomenon, we are 152 million km away from the Sun — that’s 66% further.
“The air will become colder, and our bodies are not used to this temperature — it is a significant difference. We must maintain our health as best we can. Whether it is cloudy or sunny, the cold will still increase!!! Please share this information with all your family and friends, as many people as possible, so they too can take precautions.”
He garnered 508 reactions, 44 comments, and 220 shares on the blue platform.
The claim has resurfaced repeatedly over the years, often with only the date changed to make it appear current; hence, DUBAWA had to investigate further.
Verification
DUBAWA’s research proves the claim contains a grain of truth but draws false conclusions.
What is aphelion?
Aphelion is the point in Earth’s orbit where it is farthest from the Sun. It occurs once every year, usually around 3-5 July.
At aphelion, Earth is approximately 152.1 million kilometres (94.5 million miles) from the Sun. At its closest point, known as perihelion in early January, Earth is about 147.1 million kilometres (91.4 million miles) away.
This means the difference in distance is only about 5 million kilometres, or roughly 3.3% farther, not 66% farther as claimed.
Is the Earth normally 90 million kilometres from the Sun?
No. The average Earth–Sun distance is approximately 149.6 million kilometres (1 Astronomical Unit).
The viral message incorrectly states that the normal distance is 90 million kilometres, then compares it with 152 million kilometres to produce the misleading “66% farther” figure.
In reality:
- Average distance: 149.6 million km
- Aphelion: 152.1 million km
- Difference: about 2.5 million km from the average, or roughly 1.7%
The change is far too small to produce dramatic weather changes.
Does aphelion make the weather colder?
No. According to astronomers and meteorologists, Earth’s seasons are caused by the tilt of its axis (23.5 degrees), not its distance from the Sun.
In fact:
- When Earth reaches aphelion in July, the Northern Hemisphere is experiencing summer.
- At the same time, the Southern Hemisphere is experiencing winter.
If distance from the Sun controlled temperatures, both hemispheres would experience the same season simultaneously, which they do not.
Does aphelion increase flu or respiratory illnesses?
There is no scientific evidence that aphelion causes flu, coughing, or breathing problems.
Respiratory illnesses are influenced by factors such as:
- viruses circulating within communities;
- weather conditions specific to each region;
- humidity;
- indoor crowding;
- air quality; and
- individual health conditions.
While maintaining a healthy diet and adequate vitamin intake is generally beneficial, there is no evidence that people need additional supplements due to aphelion.
Has this claim appeared before?
Yes. The same message has circulated internationally for several years, often claiming that “starting tomorrow,” aphelion will bring unusually cold weather.
It has previously been debunked by numerous fact-checking organisations and scientific agencies, including: NASA, AFP Fact Check and Lead Stories.
All concluded that while aphelion is a genuine astronomical event, it does not produce the extreme weather effects described in the viral message.
Conclusion
The viral post is false! Although Earth reaches aphelion once each year and is slightly farther from the Sun during that time, the difference in distance is small and has no significant effect on Earth’s weather or human health. The claim that aphelion causes unusually cold weather until August, increases the risk of flu or respiratory illnesses, or places Earth “66% farther” from the Sun is scientifically incorrect.
