SEASONS

V. Cruz

The Earth’s axis is tilted 23.50 from vertical.

The axis always points in the same direction in

space.

Seasons change depending on the amount of sunlight reaching the

Earth as it revolves around the Sun.

Seasons change depending on the amount of sunlight reaching the

Earth as it revolves around the Sun.

Indirect Sunlight

Direct Sunlight

Light is spread over a larger area (scattered) and it is less intense.

Light covers a smaller area and it is more intense.

During our summer the northern hemisphere is tilted toward the Sun.

During our summer the northern hemisphere is tilted toward the Sun.

Summer solstice June 21-22

The hemisphere that is tilted toward the Sun receives more direct sunlight. The Sun rays are less scattered.

The hemisphere that is tilted toward the Sun receives more direct sunlight. The Sun rays are less scattered.

Direct Sunlight

Direct Sunlight

Direct Sunlight

The hemisphere that is tilted toward the Sun has longer days and shorter nights.

The hemisphere that is tilted toward the Sun has longer days and shorter nights.

Summer solstice June 21-22

The Sun is visible for 24 hours in the

Arctic Circle in June.

We are receiving sunlight at an indirect angle. The sun rays are scattered.We are receiving sunlight at an indirect angle. The sun rays are scattered.

Winter Solstice December 21-22

During our winter the northern hemisphere is tilted away from the Sun.

During our winter the northern hemisphere is tilted away from the Sun.

Indirect sunlight

Indirect sunlight

Indirect Sunlight

Indirect sunlight

We receive less sunlight and less energy during winter.We receive less sunlight and less energy during winter.

Less thermal energy (heat) means lower temperatures in the winter.Less thermal energy (heat) means lower temperatures in the winter.

During fall and spring the Earth’s axis is parallel to the sun.

During fall and spring the Earth’s axis is parallel to the sun.

The northern and southern hemispheres get equal amount of sunlight.The northern and southern hemispheres get equal amount of sunlight.

Vernal Equinox (Spring) –March 20 Autumnal Equinox (Fall) – September 22

Sunlight

Sunlight

Sunlight

Sunlight

September 22Autumnal Equinox

March 20Vernal Equinox

June 20 Summer Solstice

December 20 Winter Solstice

Indirect SunlightDirect Sunlight

THE END!!