Do Now: Path of Sun

Base your answer to the following question on the diagram and on your knowledge of Earth science. The diagram represents Earth in its orbit around the Sun. Locations A through D represent four positions of Earth in its orbit. Earth is closest to the Sun (perihelion) at position A, and farthest from the Sun (aphelion) at position C.

Which change in seasons occurs in the Northern Hemisphere at position D?

• A) Winter is ending and spring is beginning.

• B) Spring is ending and summer is beginning

• C) Summer is ending and fall is beginning.

• D) Fall is ending and winter is beginning.

The diagram represents Earth as viewed from

space. Letter A represents the approximate angle of

tilt between Earth's rotational axis and a line (XY)

perpendicular to the plane of Earth's orbit.

What is the value of the angle represented by letter A?

• 15.0°

• 23.5°

• 24.5°

• 30.0°

Which diagram best represents the regions of Earth in

sunlight on June 21 and December 21? [NP indicates

the North Pole and the shading represents Earth's

night side. Diagrams are not drawn to scale.]

• A

• B

• C

• D

Positions 1, 2, and 3 in the diagram represent

the noon Sun above the horizon on three different

days during the year, as viewed from Binghamton,

New York.

At which position was the noon Sun on January 21, as

viewed from Binghamton?

• above position 1

• below position 3

• between position 1 and position 2

• between position 2 and position 3

Which diagram best represents the tilt of Earth's axis that causes the Northern Hemisphere seasons shown? (Diagrams are not drawn to scale.)

• A

• B

• C

• D

The diagram represents Earth in space on the

first day of a season. Which season is beginning in New York State on the day represented in the diagram?

• Winter

• Spring

• Sumnmer

• Fall

The diagram represents the horizon and the Sun's apparent paths, A, B, and C, on three different dates, as viewed from the same location in New York State. Which table correctly shows the dates on which the apparent paths of the Sun were observed?

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