How can the tilting of the Earth cause seasons?

It's all about Earth's tilt! Many people believe that Earth is closer to the sun in the summer and that is why it is hotter. And, likewise, they think Earth is farthest from the sun in the winter. Although this idea makes sense, it is incorrect. It is true that Earth's orbit is not a perfect circle. It is a bit lop-sided. read more

Instead, Earth has seasons because our planet’s axis of rotation is tilted at an angle of 23.5 degrees relative to our orbital plane – the plane of Earth’s orbit around the sun. The tilt in the axis of the Earth is called its obliquity by scientists. read more

Long, long ago, when Earth was young, it is thought that something big hit Earth and knocked it off-kilter. So instead of rotating with its axis straight up and down, it leans over a bit. By the way, that big thing that hit Earth is called Theia. It also blasted a big hole in the surface. read more

Earth's Tilt Is the Reason for the Seasons! During the year, the seasons change depending on the amount of sunlight reaching the Earth as it revolves around the Sun. The seasons are caused as the Earth, tilted on its axis, travels in a loop around the Sun each year. read more