Earth’s axis keeps nearly the same direction through a yearly orbit. Around June, the Northern Hemisphere tilts toward the Sun; around December, the Southern Hemisphere does. This changes daylight and solar heating through the year.
Space · Discover & try
Why do the seasons change?
Reading level 3 of 5 · IndependentChange
Word help
Hemisphere
One half of Earth, such as north or south of the equator.
Axial tilt
The lean of a rotation axis from a perpendicular to the orbital plane.
Solstice
A time when one hemisphere reaches its greatest tilt toward or away from the Sun.
Watch · Try · Explain
See how it works
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A schematic yearly orbit with a fixed axis direction. Seasons are shown for the hemispheres, not as a local weather forecast.
What to look for
- Keep the axis pointing in the same direction as Earth moves.
- Compare north and south at the same orbital position.
- Check both daylight duration and sunlight angle.
Explain what you noticed
When it is summer in the Northern Hemisphere, what is generally happening in the Southern Hemisphere?
Keep this idea: Earth’s tilt changes daylight and sunlight angle as our planet orbits the Sun.
Follow the sources
Source material checked 2026-10-28. Explanations and activities by Nepedia. Agency source links do not imply endorsement.
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