Here's why:
* Earth's Tilt: The Earth is tilted on its axis at approximately 23.5 degrees. This tilt causes the sun's apparent path in the sky (the ecliptic) to be at an angle to the horizon.
* Seasonal Variations: Because of the tilt, the sun rises and sets at different points on the horizon throughout the year. During the summer solstice, the sun rises further north of east and sets further north of west. During the winter solstice, it rises further south of east and sets further south of west.
In summary:
* The sun only rises exactly in the east on the equinoxes.
* The sun rises north of east in the spring and summer.
* The sun rises south of east in the fall and winter.
