Earth Sun System Seasons Earth Sun Relationship A

Earth – Sun System Seasons

Earth – Sun Relationship • A circle, when viewed from the side, describes a plane. • The plane on which Earth orbits the sun is called the ecliptic. • Earth is tilted on its axis, 23. 5 degrees. • Earth’s tilt on its axis and revolution around the Sun are the causes of seasons.

Earth on the ecliptic Draw this axis

Rotation • Rotation = Spinning • Earth’s rotation on its axis = 1 day • The sun appears to rise in the East and set in the West because of Earth’s rotation. • Earth’s rotation is the reason for day and night.

Revolution • Revolution = Orbiting • Earth’s revolution around the Sun = 1 year (365. 25 days) • When Earth is closest to the Sun, it is the perihelion; when farthest from the Sun it is the aphelion. • The length of days (amount of sunlight) and temperatures vary because of our orbit around the sun. • During our revolution, the Sun appears to change its height in the sky; it appears higher in the sky in the summer than in winter.

Seasons

• • Spring , also called Vernal Equinox Sunlight shines directly on the equator First day is usually ~ March 21 3/21 is my husband was my Grandma’s b’day!

• Summer, also called Summer Solstice • Sunlight shines directly on the Tropic of Cancer (23. 5 N latitude) • First day is usually ~ June 21 (longest day of the year) • 6/21 was my Grandparents’ Anniversary!

• • Fall, also called Autumnal Equinox Sunlight shines directly on the equator First day is usually ~ September 21 9/21 was also my Grandaddy’s b’day!

• Winter, also called Winter Solstice • Sunlight shines directly on the Tropic of Capricorn (23. 5 S Latitude) • First day is usually ~ December 21 (shortest day of the year) • My Mom’s b’day is Dec. 22!

Earth’s Position in the Sky Draw this diagram! (make sure to get the axis right at each position!)