What is one factor that influences the amount of solar energy received by the Earth?

The amount of solar energy received by the Earth is significantly influenced by the distance between the Sun and the Earth. This distance determines the intensity of solar radiation that reaches the Earth's atmosphere. The Earth's average distance from the Sun is about 93 million miles (150 million kilometers). This distance varies slightly throughout the year due to the elliptical shape of Earth's orbit.

When the Earth is closer to the Sun, or perihelion, it receives a slightly greater amount of solar energy compared to when it is farther away at aphelion. This variation can impact seasonal changes and overall climate patterns. However, the distance between the Sun and Earth plays a much more fundamental role in the amount of solar energy reaching the planet than other factors like cloud cover, wind patterns, or human activities, which may affect the distribution and absorption of that energy but do not change the total amount received from the Sun itself.