Date: April 13, 2026 Subject: Analysis of net change in Earth’s orbital distance from the Sun. Executive Summary: Contrary to a common misconception, Earth is not moving closer to the Sun. On average, it is very slowly moving away. The primary driver is mass loss from the Sun, not gravitational decay. 1. The Short Answer No. The average distance between Earth and the Sun is increasing by approximately 1.5 centimeters (0.6 inches) per year. Over the next 5 billion years, this will amount to a net increase, not a decrease. 2. Key Factors Affecting Orbital Distance Three main physical processes influence Earth’s orbital radius over time:
