Seasons

Front

What are equinoxes?

Back

Equinoxes occur when the earth is tilted neither toward nor away from the sun, resulting in nearly equal day and night lengths.

Front

What happens to seasons if Earth's axis is straight up and down?

Back

If Earth's axis were straight up and down, there would be no seasons.

Front

How is the earth tilted during the spring and fall equinoxes?

Back

During the spring and fall equinoxes, the earth is tilted neither toward nor away from the sun (tilt is side to side).

Front

What effect does the tilt of the earth have on sunlight?

Back

The tilt of the earth changes the angle that the sun strikes the earth in different land areas, affecting temperature and seasons.

Front

Where on Earth can you experience entire days of darkness?

Back

You can experience entire days of darkness at the poles.

Front

What causes the seasons on Earth?

Back

Seasons are caused by the tilt of the Earth's axis and its orbit around the sun.

Front

What is the difference between summer and winter in the Northern Hemisphere?

Back

In summer, the Northern Hemisphere is tilted toward the sun, resulting in longer days and warmer temperatures; in winter, it is tilted away, leading to shorter days and cooler temperatures.

Front

What is a solstice?

Back

A solstice is an event that occurs when the sun reaches its highest or lowest point in the sky at noon, marking the longest and shortest days of the year.

Front

What are the two types of solstices?

Back

The two types of solstices are the summer solstice and the winter solstice.

Front

What is the significance of the Tropic of Cancer and Tropic of Capricorn?

Back

The Tropic of Cancer and Tropic of Capricorn mark the furthest points north and south where the sun can be directly overhead, affecting climate and seasons.