4. today we know the true shape of the path of the earth about the sun. what is it?

Its true shape is elliptical, or slightly oval-shaped.

Explanation:

Meaning that one point of the earth is closest to the orbit of the sun while the other part is far away and hence, due to this planetal bulges found along the sides of the equator. Taking a complete orbit of 365 days i.e 1 sidereal day during which the earth travel's 940 kilometers. Since the sun consists of 99.8% of the mass system it's center f orbit is close to that of sun. Also on the art of the axial tilt of the earth around the sun creates various seasons and equinoxes of varying seasons. Similarly, when the earth is closest to the sun the earth is moving more rapidly from Jan to July after which the earth rotates a little more from October to April to return to a chosen spot on the surface of the sun.