Earth's Tilt
What is the tilt of Earth called?
Earth’s axis
What season begins at the summer solstice?
Summer
What are the two equinoxes called?
Vernal or Spring equinox and Autumnal or fall equinox
What makes summer warmer than winter?
More direct sunlight
Do seasons happen because Earth is closer to the Sun?
No
How many degrees is Earth tilted?
About 23.5°
Which solstice has the longest day of the year?
Summer solstice
What happens to day and night during an equinox?
They are about equal in length
When sunlight is direct, is the temperature higher or lower?
Higher
What actually causes seasons?
Earth’s tilt and orbit around the Sun
Why is Earth’s tilt important for seasons?
It changes how direct sunlight hits Earth
Which solstice has the shortest day of the year?
Winter solstice
Which equinox begins fall?
Autumnal (fall) equinox
When sunlight is at a low angle, is the temperature warmer or colder?
Colder
Are seasons the same in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres at the same time?
No, they are opposite
What would happen if Earth had no tilt?
There would be little to no seasons
During the summer solstice, which hemisphere is tilted toward the Sun?
Northern Hemisphere
Which equinox begins spring?
Vernal (spring) equinox
Why does winter have shorter days?
The hemisphere is tilted away from the Sun
When it is summer in the U.S., what season is it in Australia?
Winter
Does Earth’s tilt change during the year?
No, it always stays tilted in the same direction
Why is winter colder after the winter solstice?
The Sun’s rays hit at a lower angle
Why are equinoxes important for seasons?
They mark the change between seasons
How does sunlight affect the weather in different seasons?
It controls temperature changes
True or False: Earth’s distance from the Sun changes enough to cause seasons
False