Causes of Seasons
This is the main reason Earth has seasons.
Earth's tilt on its axis
The longest and shortest days of the year are called this.
Solstices
When it is summer in the Northern Hemisphere, this season occurs in the Southern Hemisphere.
Winter
This position represents December 21.
Position A
Time it takes Earth to orbit the Sun once.
1 year or 12 months
This imaginary line runs through the North and South Poles.
The axis
Days with equal daylight and darkness are called this.
Equinoxes
This hemisphere is tilted toward the Sun at Position A.
Southern Hemisphere
This position represents June 21.
Position C
Time it takes to go from one position to the next (like D to C).
3 months
Many people incorrectly think seasons are caused by this.
Earth being closer or farther from the Sun
This date is the summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere.
June 21st
At Position C, this hemisphere is tilted toward the Sun.
Northern Hemisphere
These positions represent equinoxes.
Positions B and D
Time it takes to go from Position C to Position A.
6 months
When an area is tilted toward the Sun, it receives more of this.
(hint: two words)
direct sunlight
This date is the winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere.
December 21st
This hemisphere experiences shorter days at Position C.
Southern Hemisphere
This position represents the spring equinox.
Position D
As Earth moves from C to B, the Northern Hemisphere goes from this to this.
Summer to Fall
This region of Earth receives the most direct sunlight year-round.
Equator
Explain why equinoxes have equal day and night.
Because Earth’s tilt is sideways relative to the Sun
Explain why Australia has opposite seasons from the United States.
Because they are in opposite hemispheres
This position represents the fall equinox.
Position B
Name one way seasons affect human life.
Farming, Weather, Plants, Animals, etc.