In kilometers, which distance is closest to the Sun from Earth?

• A. About 40 million kilometers
• B. About 150 million kilometers
• C. About 390 million kilometers
• D. About 600 million kilometers

Answer: (B)

The distance from Earth to the Sun is about 1 astronomical unit, which is roughly 149.6 million kilometers. The orbit is slightly elliptical, so the distance ranges from about 147 million km at closest (perihelion) to about 152 million km at farthest (aphelion). Because of this, the distance closest to the Sun is around 150 million kilometers. Among the options, the one near 150 million kilometers fits best. The other distances are either too small (about 40 million km) or too large (about 390 million km or 600 million km) to represent Earth's average separation from the Sun.