Create account Log in

What Causes the Seasons to Change?

Imagine Earth is like a spinning top that also goes on a yearly trip around the Sun. When one part of Earth tilts toward the Sun, it gets more sunlight and becomes summer. When that same part tilts away from the Sun, it gets less sunlight and becomes winter.

Why It Works

The tilt of Earth is like a magic angle, it changes how much each part of Earth gets to enjoy the Sun’s warmth all year round.

Take the quiz →

Examples

  1. When Earth tilts toward the Sun, it’s summer; when it tilts away, it’s winter.
  2. If you live in the Northern Hemisphere, summer is when your part of the world faces the Sun.
  3. Imagine standing on a tilted spinning top, depending on where you are, you get more or less light.

Ask a question

See also

Discussion

Recent activity

Categories: Science · Earth,Sun,Seasons,Astronomy