Why Do We Have ‘Seasons’ on Earth?

Seasons happen because Earth is tilted, and it spins around the Sun. Imagine Earth like a spinning top that leans as it goes around the Sun, sometimes we lean toward the Sun (summer), sometimes away from it (winter). Even though we’re not always closer or farther from the Sun, this tilt makes the seasons change all year round.

Take the quiz →

Examples

When Earth leans toward the Sun, it’s summer in one part of the world and winter in the other.
Imagine standing outside with your back to a lamp, you’re getting all the light. If you turn around, you get less light, just like when it's winter.
Even though we're not always closest to the Sun, we still have seasons because Earth is tilted.

Ask a question

Discussion

Recent activity

Categories: Environment · seasons,earth orbit,tilt of earth