First-Ever Mother Earth’s Birthday Celebrated on January 4

Sri Lanka’s renowned science writer and astronomer, Mr. Anura C. Perera, celebrated Mother Earth's Birthday for the first time in history on January 4, 2025.

Historically, the world's oldest calendars marked January 1 as the first day of the year and the date when the Earth was believed to be closest to the Sun.

However, Mr. Anura C. Perera's research revealed that the actual date when Earth reaches its closest point to the Sun (perihelion) is no longer January 1 but January 4.

Speaking to TimesOnline, Mr. Anura explained, "Our Earth rotates on its axis at a speed of 1,670 km/h and revolves around the Sun at 107,200 km/h, completing this annual journey in 365.25 days. During this cycle, the Earth periodically comes closer to and moves farther from the Sun. Furthermore, the Sun, along with Earth and the other planets, travels through the Milky Way galaxy at an incredible speed of 828,000 km/h."

He added, "Approximately two or three centuries ago, the Earth’s perihelion fell on January 1. However, due to gradual changes in the Earth's orbit, this date has shifted to January 4, 2025. This makes January 4 a fitting date to celebrate as Mother Earth's Birthday."

To mark this historic occasion, Mr. Anura C. Perera organized a celebration at ‘Tharaka Niwasa’ in Sapumal Place, Rajagiriya, where a cake shaped like the Earth was cut to honor the day. 

The event was graced by several distinguished guests, including Lasantha Amarasinghe, owner of Chance Sports; Engineer Ajantha Seneviratne; former District Governor Lion Sinha Mahinda Perera; science writer Rusin Thatsara; and astronomer Anura C. Perera himself.

However, the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration also highlights International Mother Earth Day, celebrated every year on April 22. Last year marked the third consecutive year of this celebration, with a primary focus on protecting and restoring Earth's ecosystems.

IB