Here's why:

* Earth's Tilt: The primary reason for seasons is Earth's tilted axis (approximately 23.5 degrees). This tilt causes different hemispheres to receive varying amounts of direct sunlight throughout the year.

* Earth's Orbit: While Earth's orbit is slightly elliptical, it's not a significant factor in determining seasons. Earth is actually closest to the sun in January (perihelion) and farthest in July (aphelion).

How Earth's Tilt Works:

* Summer Solstice: During summer in the Northern Hemisphere, the North Pole is tilted towards the sun. This means the Northern Hemisphere receives more direct sunlight, leading to longer days and warmer temperatures.

* Winter Solstice: In winter, the North Pole is tilted away from the sun. The Northern Hemisphere receives less direct sunlight, resulting in shorter days and colder temperatures.

In summary, Earth's tilted axis, not its distance from the sun, is the primary driver of the seasons.