Earth's Orbits and Seasons Flashcards

Earth's Orbits and Seasons

• Aphelion: Farthest point from the Sun in a planet's orbit, affecting seasonal temperature variations.

• Equinox: Occurs twice a year when the Sun is directly above the equator, around March 21 and September 22, resulting in nearly equal day and night hours.

• Perihelion: Closest point to the Sun in a planet's orbit, contributing to seasonal changes in solar energy received.

• Solstice: Time when the Sun is directly overhead at its northernmost (around June 21) or southernmost (around December 21) point, marking the longest and shortest days of the year in respective hemispheres.

• Subsolar Point: The location on Earth where the Sun is directly overhead at any given time, changing with the seasons.

• Tropic of Cancer: Northernmost latitude (approximately 23.5° North) where the Sun can be directly overhead during the summer solstice.

• Tropic of Capricorn: Southernmost latitude (approximately 23.5° South) where the Sun can be directly overhead during the winter solstice.

• Primary Heat Source for Seasons: The Sun, which plays a crucial role in temperature variations and seasonal changes on Earth.

• Test Question: The point in a planet's orbit where it is farthest from the Sun is called aphelion.

• Equinox Observation: On March 21, the equator is the part of Earth directly beneath the Sun.

• Latitude for Direct Sunlight: The maximum latitudes receiving direct sunlight overhead are at 23.5° North and 23.5° South.

• Earth's Axis Tilt: The tilt of Earth's axis compared to its orbital plane is approximately 23.5°, crucial for seasonal variations in climate.

• Seasonal Causes: The seasons on Earth result primarily from the tilt of the Earth's axis, which affects how sunlight is distributed across the planet as it orbits the Sun.

Test your knowledge on key terms related to Earth's orbits and seasons with these flashcards. Each card provides definitions for important concepts such as aphelion, perihelion, equinox, and solstice. Perfect for students looking to reinforce their understanding of these astronomical phenomena.