Physics – 6.1.1 The Earth | e-Consult

(Assume a diagram is provided showing the Earth's orbit with the Sun at the centre. The diagram should clearly show the Earth at different points in its orbit, with labels indicating the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.)

In June, the diagram shows the Earth positioned such that the Northern Hemisphere is tilted towards the Sun. This means the Northern Hemisphere receives more direct sunlight and longer daylight hours. The sunlight is concentrated over a smaller area, leading to higher temperatures and summer.

Conversely, in December, the diagram shows the Earth positioned such that the Northern Hemisphere is tilted away from the Sun. This means the Northern Hemisphere receives less direct sunlight and shorter daylight hours. The sunlight is spread over a larger area, leading to lower temperatures and winter. The Southern Hemisphere is tilted towards the Sun at this time, experiencing summer.

The Earth's continuous orbit and the consistent axial tilt are the fundamental reasons for this cyclical pattern of seasons. The diagram illustrates how the changing angle of sunlight due to the Earth's orbit and tilt directly affects the amount of solar radiation received by each hemisphere at different times of the year.