Earth's Seasons & Axial Tilt
Interactive 3D demonstration of how tilt causes seasons
Loading Seasons Simulation...
December Solstice
Northern Hemisphere winter, Southern Hemisphere summer
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Hemisphere Comparison
North: Winter
South: Summer
Sunlight Intensity
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South: --%
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Why Earth Has Seasons
Seasons are caused by Earth's 23.5° axial tilt, not by distance from the Sun. When one hemisphere is tilted toward the Sun, it experiences summer with more direct sunlight and longer days.
Axial Tilt
Earth's axis is tilted 23.5° relative to its orbital plane around the Sun.
Direct vs Indirect Sunlight
Direct sunlight is more concentrated, causing warmer temperatures.
Day Length Variation
Longer days in summer allow more time for solar heating.
