Astronomy Chapter 1: The Seasons on Earth

Questions and Answers

What causes the cycle of seasons on Earth?

Earth has seasons because its axis is tilted as it revolves around the sun.

How does sunlight hit the Earth?

It does not vary based on location.

It hits evenly across the entire Earth.

It hits more directly near the Equator. (correct)

It hits at a steep angle near the poles. (correct)

Which of these statements is true regarding the Earth's seasons?

It is due to the Earth's distance from the sun.

Its axis is tilted as it revolves around the sun. (correct)

What is a solstice?

The two days of the year when the sun is farthest north or south of the equator. Signup and view all the answers

What happens during the June Solstice?

The north end of Earth's axis is tilted toward the sun; it is summer in the northern hemisphere and winter in the southern hemisphere. Signup and view all the answers

What occurs during the Winter Solstice?

The south end of Earth's axis is tilted toward the sun; it is summer in the southern hemisphere and winter in the northern hemisphere. Signup and view all the answers

What is an equinox?

Means 'equal night'; occurs halfway between the solstices, with each hemisphere receiving the same amount of sunlight. Signup and view all the answers

The Earth is farthest from the sun when it is summer in the Northern Hemisphere.

True Signup and view all the answers

During an equinox, day and night are each about 12 hours long everywhere on Earth.

True Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Seasons on Earth

Seasons result from Earth's axial tilt while it revolves around the Sun.
Sunlight strikes the Equator directly, while it strikes the poles at a shallow angle.

Understanding Seasons

True statement regarding seasons: Earth has seasons primarily because its axis is tilted during its orbit, rather than its distance from the Sun.

Solstices

Solstices occur twice a year when the Sun is at its greatest distance from the Equator.
The June Solstice features the north end of Earth's axis tilted toward the Sun, resulting in summer for the Northern Hemisphere and winter for the Southern Hemisphere.
The Winter Solstice involves the south end of Earth's axis tilted toward the Sun, causing summer in the Southern Hemisphere and winter in the Northern Hemisphere.

Equinoxes

Equinox means "equal night," signifying equal day and night duration across the globe.
Equinoxes occur halfway between the solstices, with both hemispheres receiving equal sunlight energy.

Earth-Sun Distance

Earth reaches its farthest point from the Sun during summer in the Northern Hemisphere, confirming the relationship between seasons and distance.

Daylight During Equinox

During equinoxes, day and night length is approximately 12 hours everywhere on Earth, emphasizing the balance of solar energy received.

Description

Explore the fascinating factors that cause the seasons on Earth in this flashcard quiz. Understand the impact of Earth's axial tilt and how sunlight varies across different latitudes. Perfect for reinforcing your knowledge of basic astronomy concepts!