Earth’s axial tilt, about 23.4 degrees from the perpendicular to its orbital plane, drives seasonal contrasts. Changing Earth–Sun distance is not the main cause. Seasonal daylight changes are especially pronounced at high latitudes.
Space · Discover & try
Why do the seasons change?
Reading level 5 of 5 · AdvancedChange
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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