If the earth were closer to the Sun the density of the atmosphere would cause a greenhouse effect. The temperature would probably rise to 480 ºC and there would be an effect similar to the scorching temperatures of Venus.
The surface would be covered with plains crossed by desert mountains and the temperature would be so high that the oceans would be extinguished. That would mean the lack of water and the end of all life processes on the planet.
The human being grouped the months of the year according to seasons that depend on temperature.
These temperature variations occur because the sun's rays do not heat all areas of the planet with the same intensity.
If the Earth were closer to the Sun, the gravitational fields of this star would attract the Earth more and more.
Depending on the reduction in the speed of the orbit, there would be long periods of light in which the days would be longer and the years shorter.
This is proportional to Kepler's second law theory, which states that "the orbital speed of any planet is inversely proportional to its distance from the Sun."
Components affected
When the sun's rays fall in a vertical direction on the planet, it causes an increase in temperature. If the sun's rays have a longer path, they heat less.
A short distance in relation to the solar star would also have a great influence on winds, currents, vegetation, animals, humans, mortality, among other elements.
Many species would go to extinction by not being able to adapt to climatic changes, and others would starve to death by not being able to get food for their survival. Even so, very few would find a way to survive and evolve.
The flowering of many plants depends on a series of daily cycles of light and dark. Some plants require long photoperiods in order to flower, while others are adapted to shorter photoperiods.
This is one of the reasons why vegetation varies with latitude. If the Earth were closer to the Sun, vegetation would be compromised to the point where conditions suitable for its survival would not be offered.
Even the polar caps would melt and dry out due to the increase in temperature, either due to the continuous and prolonged impact of the sun's rays or due to the lack of these at the other end of the planet.
The Earth would suffer devastating times of drought that would wipe out what little surviving vegetation.
The Earth and its orbit around the Sun
The Earth moves around the Sun making a complete revolution in the course of a year. This movement does not follow a circumference, but an elliptical orbit in which it travels at a speed of approximately 107,200 kilometers per hour.
This orbit has a length of 150 million kilometers in relation to the Sun; it is enough to keep the planet at a safe distance and to counteract the gravitational pull of the star king.
If the Earth were closer to the Sun, there would not be the right conditions for the development of life as it is known today.
Reference
- Alfven, H. and Arrhenius, G. (1976). Evolution of the Solar System. Washington, DC National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
- Dreyer, J. (1953). A History of Astronomy from Thales to Kepler. NY Dove Publications.
- Gore, R. (1983). The Once and Future Universe: The National Geographic.
- Meyer, R. (1989). Encyclopedia of Astronomy and Astrophysics. San Diego, California. Academy Press.
- Simon, C. (1984). Death Star: Science News.