What causes the sunlight to hit different latitudes on earth at different angles?

Answer 1

The angle at which sunlight hits different latitudes on Earth is primarily caused by the curvature of the Earth and the tilt of its axis.

The Earth is a sphere, so as it orbits the Sun, sunlight spreads out over a larger surface area the further it is from the equator. This means that at higher latitudes, sunlight is spread out over a larger area and strikes the Earth at a more oblique angle, whereas at lower latitudes closer to the equator, sunlight is more concentrated and strikes the Earth at a more direct angle.

In addition to the Earth's curvature, the tilt of its axis plays a crucial role. Earth's axis is tilted 23.5 degrees relative to its orbit around the Sun. This tilt causes the angle and intensity of sunlight to change throughout the year as the Earth revolves around the Sun. During the summer solstice in one hemisphere, the tilt of the axis maximizes the angle at which sunlight reaches that hemisphere, resulting in longer days and more direct sunlight. Conversely, during the winter solstice, sunlight reaches the opposite hemisphere at a lower angle, resulting in shorter days and less direct sunlight.

The combination of Earth's curvature and axial tilt creates the variation in sunlight angles at different latitudes, ultimately shaping the Earth's climate patterns and seasonal changes.