1. Earth's Tilt: The Earth is tilted on its axis at approximately 23.5 degrees. This tilt means that different parts of the Earth receive varying amounts of direct sunlight throughout the year.
* Summer: When a hemisphere is tilted towards the Sun, it receives more direct sunlight, resulting in longer days and warmer temperatures.
* Winter: When a hemisphere is tilted away from the Sun, it receives less direct sunlight, resulting in shorter days and colder temperatures.
2. Earth's Orbit: The Earth orbits the Sun in an elliptical path, meaning it's not a perfect circle. This elliptical path causes the Earth to be closer to the Sun at certain times of the year and further away at other times.
* Perihelion: The point in Earth's orbit where it's closest to the Sun (around January).
* Aphelion: The point in Earth's orbit where it's furthest from the Sun (around July).
* Impact on Seasons: While the distance from the Sun does affect the amount of solar radiation, it's a much smaller factor than Earth's tilt.
Therefore, the combination of Earth's tilt and its orbit around the Sun creates the cycle of seasons we experience.
