Why Do We Have ‘Seasons’ and How Do They Affect Weather Patterns?

Imagine Earth is like a spinning top that leans slightly as it goes around the Sun. When one side of Earth leans toward the Sun, that part gets more sunlight, and it feels warmer. When it leans away, there's less sun, so it feels colder. This leaning is what causes seasons. Different parts of Earth get different weather depending on how much sunlight they receive each year.

Why It Matters

Seasons change the way we dress, when we grow crops, and even how animals behave, like why some go to sleep in winter!

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Examples

When Earth is tilted toward the Sun in summer, it's like a flashlight shining directly on your face, you feel warmer. When it tilts away in winter, it's like the light is pointing over your shoulder, you feel cooler.
A polar bear might be swimming in icy waters during its winter, but it’s basking in sunlight by the sea during summer, all because of Earth’s tilt.
Your school might have a snow day in winter, but you're probably outside playing soccer in shorts during summer, thanks to seasons!

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Categories: Science · seasons,earth science,climate