How does the tilt of Earth's Axis and its movement around the sun play a part in the changing of the seasons in the northern hemisphere?

Answer 1

The tilt of Earth's axis and its movement around the sun are responsible for the changing of the seasons in the northern hemisphere. Here's how it works:

1. Tilt of Earth's Axis: Earth is tilted on its axis by about 23.5 degrees relative to its orbit around the sun. This means that as Earth orbits the sun, different parts of the planet receive different amounts of sunlight throughout the year.

2. Equinoxes: During two points in the year, called the equinoxes, the tilt of the Earth's axis is such that neither hemisphere is tilted towards or away from the sun. As a result, the northern and southern hemispheres receive equal amounts of sunlight. These equinoxes occur around March 20th (spring equinox) and September 22nd (fall equinox).

3. Solstices: The solstices are the two points in the year when the tilt of the Earth's axis is either most tilted towards, or away from, the sun. During the June solstice (around June 21st), the northern hemisphere is tilted towards the sun, receiving more direct sunlight. This leads to the longest day of the year and marks the beginning of summer in the northern hemisphere. Conversely, during the December solstice (around December 21st), the northern hemisphere is tilted away from the sun, resulting in shorter days and the beginning of winter in the northern hemisphere.

4. Seasons: The changing tilt of the Earth's axis throughout the year, along with its circular orbit around the sun, causes the angle at which sunlight hits different parts of the Earth's surface to vary. When the northern hemisphere is tilted towards the sun (during summer), sunlight falls more directly on the region, leading to warmer temperatures. Conversely, when the northern hemisphere is tilted away from the sun (during winter), sunlight is spread out over a larger area, leading to cooler temperatures.

Overall, the combined effect of Earth's tilt and its movement around the sun leads to the changing of the seasons in the northern hemisphere – from the warmth of summer to the cold of winter and back again.