OUR SEASONS

FOR YOUR NOTEBOOK:

The Seasons and The Trends

• Earth’s axis is tilted at 23.5 degrees and this axis tilt remains fixed causing the cycle of the seasons

  • During winter in the northern hemisphere, sunlight strikes the north pole at an angle that spreads the sun's energy for a short period of time.  Less concentrated radiation leads to lower heat energy absorption.

  • The angle also gives us shorter days which contributes to lower temperatures

    • This timing is referred to as a solstice

    • Summer solstice- June 21 Longest Day; Winter solstice- December 21 Shortest Day

  • During spring in the northern hemisphere, the days and nights are relatively equal due to Earth’s axis being perpendicular to the Sun’s rays

    • This timing is referred to as an equinox

    • Vernal equinox- around March 20; Autumnal equinox- around September 22

  • During summer in the northern hemisphere, sunlight strikes the north pole more directly for a longer period of time (=long days, warmer temperatures)

• The tilt of the Earth’s axis means that the seasons in the northern hemisphere are opposite those in the southern hemisphere (Summer in the northern hemisphere and winter in the southern hemisphere)

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