Causes of seasons

Front

What causes the seasons on Earth?

Back

The tilt of the Earth's axis and its orbit around the Sun cause the seasons.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Front

What is the tilt of the Earth's axis?

Back

The Earth's axis is tilted at an angle of approximately 23.5 degrees.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Front

How does the tilt of the Earth affect sunlight distribution?

Back

The tilt causes different areas of the Earth to receive varying amounts of sunlight throughout the year, leading to seasonal changes.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Front

What season occurs in the Northern Hemisphere when it is summer in the Southern Hemisphere?

Back

Winter.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Front

What happens to the Earth's axis during winter in the Northern Hemisphere?

Back

The axis is pointed away from the Sun.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Front

Why does the equator experience relatively consistent temperatures year-round?

Back

The equator receives direct sunlight throughout the year, leading to minimal temperature variation.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

What is the relationship between the Earth's position in its orbit and the seasons?

Back

The Earth's position in its orbit determines which hemisphere is tilted toward or away from the Sun, affecting the seasons.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Front

What is the significance of the solstices?

Back

Solstices mark the points in the year when the Sun reaches its highest or lowest point in the sky at noon, indicating the start of summer or winter.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Front

What are equinoxes?

Back

Equinoxes are the times of the year when day and night are approximately equal in length, occurring in spring and autumn.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Front

How do the seasons differ between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres?

Back

When it is summer in the Northern Hemisphere, it is winter in the Southern Hemisphere, and vice versa.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6