Hoax – A message is circulating claiming that starting May 5, 2025, Earth will be in aphelion and this will cause intense cold, diseases, and other severe health effects.
Analysis
Every year, between June and July, the term “aphelion” reappears in alarmist messages on social media. It refers to the point at which Earth is farthest from the Sun in its orbit—a known and entirely predictable astronomical phenomenon. Despite this, some turn this fact into disinformation by associating aphelion with sharp drops in temperature and even disease outbreaks.
In 2025, a sensationalist text began circulating again, claiming aphelion would begin on May 5 and last until August. The post mentions “colder than usual” weather, flu, and even “difficulty breathing.” The alert also distorts scientific facts and incites panic by suggesting people should take supplements to survive the phenomenon’s effects. Read the full message below:
* * *MUCH COLDER* *UNTIL AUGUST* REMEMBER: Starting tomorrow, 05/05, at 05:27 AM we will begin to experience the *APHELION PHENOMENON*, when Earth is much farther from the Sun. We can’t see the phenomenon, but *WE CAN* feel its impact. This will last until August. We’ll have cold weather, *COLDER THAN USUAL*, which will lead to flu, coughing, difficulty breathing, etc. We must take special care of the elderly, children, and asthmatics. We should boost immunity by consuming lots of vitamins and supplements to stay healthy.
The Earth’s distance from the Sun is about 5 light-minutes or 90 million km. During the Aphelion phenomenon, we are 152 million km from the Sun—66% farther. The air will be colder and our bodies are not used to this temperature change. We must maintain our health as much as possible. Whether it’s cloudy or sunny, the increase in cold will be the same!
We should be more cautious when going outside, stay warm, and avoid getting wet to prevent colds and coughs. Keeping feet warm helps a lot. Drink more orange, lemon, and other fruit juices to stay vitamin-rich. Eating more vegetables, greens, and fruits greatly helps immunity. Please share this information with your family and friends so they can also take precautions. *LET’S TAKE CARE TO AVOID DISEASES!*
Fact-check
The message mixes scientific terms with exaggerations and falsehoods and is just another fake story that resurfaces every year. To clarify the content, let’s answer the following questions: 1) Does aphelion cause intense cold on Earth? 2) Does the phenomenon occur on May 5 in 2025? 3) Are the health recommendations in the message based on evidence?
Does the aphelion phenomenon cause intense cold on Earth?
No. Aphelion is the point in Earth’s orbit when the planet is farthest from the Sun, which happens annually and has virtually no effect on the weather. The Boatos.org team has already debunked this same hoax on other occasions. Earth’s temperature changes are primarily determined by the tilt of its axis relative to the Sun—not by distance.
According to astronomers, during aphelion, the Earth-Sun distance reaches about 152 million kilometers—a small variation from the average of 150 million km. This difference of less than 2% is not enough to cause noticeable weather changes.
Does aphelion occur on May 5 in 2025?
No, it does not. The correct date for aphelion in 2025 is July 3 at 7:55 PM, according to the official site of the UFRGS Astronomy Department. The claim that it would occur on May 5 is incorrect and has no scientific basis.
This wrong date is one clue that the circulating text is a recycled hoax with only the year updated to mislead the unaware.
Are the health recommendations in the text evidence-based?
While some tips like boosting immunity and eating fruits are generally good during winter, the message exaggerates by linking them to an astronomical event like aphelion. Additionally, many suggestions are phrased in an alarmist tone as if we were facing a real biological threat—which we are not.
The human body does not suffer direct effects from Earth’s varying distance to the Sun. Cold weather in some regions depends on local and seasonal factors, as we’ve explained in other articles about the alleged effects of aphelion. Using the phenomenon to spark panic is disinformation. It’s yet another fake news case disguised as “public health advice.”
Conclusion
The claim that aphelion will bring intense cold starting on May 5, 2025, is false. The phenomenon occurs in July, has no direct impact on Earth’s climate, and does not cause diseases. The message is alarmist, based on scientific errors and recycled old hoaxes.
Fake news ❌
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