Welcome to Seasons ...
Start
Seasons
Have you ever thought about why we have seasons?
Did you know that not all
parts of the Earth have seasons?
The reasons are quite complicated ... let's start
with some basics.
Did you know that not all
parts of the Earth have seasons?
The reasons are quite complicated ... let's start
with some basics.
Seasons
Earth
Sun
Not to scale
Here is a view from space, showing the Earth and the
Sun from above the North
Pole.
The diagram isn't to scale. In reality, the Earth is much smaller than the Sun and
much further away.
Use the animation controls to see how the Earth moves.
You can also select the Earth and move it to any position.
Sun from above the North
Pole.
The diagram isn't to scale. In reality, the Earth is much smaller than the Sun and
much further away.
Use the animation controls to see how the Earth moves.
You can also select the Earth and move it to any position.
Seasons
Earth
Sun
Not to scale
The path that the Earth takes as it moves around the Sun is called its orbit. The shape of the Earth's orbit is an ellipse, which is like a circle that is slightly stretched out.
Let's move to a different position in space.
Let's move to a different position in space.
Seasons
Now we're viewing the Earth from a different position, but it moves around the Sun in
the same orbit as before. We have a counter to measure how long it really takes for
the Earth to move once
around the Sun.
How long do you think it will take? 327 days 365 days 372 days Use the animation controls and watch the Day counter
to find out. Submit
the same orbit as before. We have a counter to measure how long it really takes for
the Earth to move once
around the Sun.
How long do you think it will take? 327 days 365 days 372 days Use the animation controls and watch the Day counter
to find out. Submit
Not quite.
Look at the counter to see how many days it takes for the Earth
to move once around the Sun. Try again
Look at the counter to see how many days it takes for the Earth
to move once around the Sun. Try again
That's still not right.
It takes about 365 days for the Earth to move once around the Sun. Try again
It takes about 365 days for the Earth to move once around the Sun. Try again
Seasons
Correct!
It takes about 365 days for
one complete revolution.
This is the period of time we refer to as a year — the time
it takes the Earth to revolve once around the Sun.
It takes about 365 days for
one complete revolution.
This is the period of time we refer to as a year — the time
it takes the Earth to revolve once around the Sun.
Seasons
Here is a closer view of the Earth. As it revolves around the Sun, the Earth moves in another way — it rotates.
The Earth rotates around an imaginary line that is tilted
at an angle that goes through the North and South Poles.
This is called the Earth's axis.
The Earth rotates around an imaginary line that is tilted
at an angle that goes through the North and South Poles.
This is called the Earth's axis.
Seasons
How long do you think it
takes for the Earth to complete one full rotation around its axis? 24 hours 12 hours 6 hours Use the animation controls and watch the hours
counter to find out. Submit
takes for the Earth to complete one full rotation around its axis? 24 hours 12 hours 6 hours Use the animation controls and watch the hours
counter to find out. Submit
That's not it.
Look at the counter to see how many hours it takes for the Earth to complete one full rotation. Try again
Look at the counter to see how many hours it takes for the Earth to complete one full rotation. Try again
That's still not right.
It takes the Earth 24 hours to complete one full rotation around its axis. Try again
It takes the Earth 24 hours to complete one full rotation around its axis. Try again
Seasons
Correct!
It takes 24 hours for the
Earth to complete one full
rotation — one day and one
night.
The combination of the Earth
orbiting the Sun and rotating
around its tilted axis affects
many things, such as seasons
and the length of day and
night.
It takes 24 hours for the
Earth to complete one full
rotation — one day and one
night.
The combination of the Earth
orbiting the Sun and rotating
around its tilted axis affects
many things, such as seasons
and the length of day and
night.
Seasons
Here are two models. The
top one shows the Earth and the Sun together. The
bottom model shows a close-up view of the Earth rotating as it moves around the Sun.
Select A or B to view the
Earth from two different viewpoints as it rotates and moves along its orbital path. You can switch views at any time.
top one shows the Earth and the Sun together. The
bottom model shows a close-up view of the Earth rotating as it moves around the Sun.
Select A or B to view the
Earth from two different viewpoints as it rotates and moves along its orbital path. You can switch views at any time.
Seasons
As the Earth rotates, to a
fixed observer on the Earth,
the Sun appears to travel
across the sky from east to west.
This new diagram shows the apparent path of the Sun across the sky as viewed from Melbourne.
Look at where Melbourne is
on the Earth model when the Sun is rising in the lower diagram.
Use Rotate to see the Sun
rise and set.
fixed observer on the Earth,
the Sun appears to travel
across the sky from east to west.
This new diagram shows the apparent path of the Sun across the sky as viewed from Melbourne.
Look at where Melbourne is
on the Earth model when the Sun is rising in the lower diagram.
Use Rotate to see the Sun
rise and set.
Seasons
Why does the Sun travel east to west?
The Earth's rotation makes it appear as if the Sun is moving.
The Sun orbits the Earth in an anticlockwise direction.
The Sun orbits the Earth in a clockwise direction.
Submit
That's not it.
Does the Sun really orbit the
Earth? Try again
Does the Sun really orbit the
Earth? Try again
That's still not right.
It is the Earth's rotation that
makes it appear as if the Sun is moving. Try again
It is the Earth's rotation that
makes it appear as if the Sun is moving. Try again
Seasons
Correct.
The Earth's rotation makes it appear as if the Sun is moving across the sky.
Since the Earth spins in an easterly direction, from a fixed point on the Earth, the Sun appears to rise in the east and set in the west.
The Earth's rotation makes it appear as if the Sun is moving across the sky.
Since the Earth spins in an easterly direction, from a fixed point on the Earth, the Sun appears to rise in the east and set in the west.
Seasons
Here is another diagram showing the Sun's path.
To the observer in
Melbourne, the Sun appears
to move in an arc across the sky.
Use Rotate to see the Sun
rise and set.
To the observer in
Melbourne, the Sun appears
to move in an arc across the sky.
Use Rotate to see the Sun
rise and set.
Seasons
Choose all the correct statements from the list below. There may
be more than one. It takes 365 days for the Earth to revolve once around the Sun. The Earth completes a rotation on its axis every 12 hours. The Earth's axis is tilted. The Sun orbits the Earth in a clockwise direction. The rotation of the Earth makes it appear as if the Sun is moving across the sky. Submit
be more than one. It takes 365 days for the Earth to revolve once around the Sun. The Earth completes a rotation on its axis every 12 hours. The Earth's axis is tilted. The Sun orbits the Earth in a clockwise direction. The rotation of the Earth makes it appear as if the Sun is moving across the sky. Submit
You have not selected all the correct statements.
Try again
Seasons
1000 km
This diagram shows a beam
of the Sun's energy striking
the Earth north of the
equator.
At this point on the Earth's surface, it spreads over a circular area 1000 kilometres in diameter. It provides light and heat.
Select the beam of sunlight and move it up as far as you can, so that it strikes the
area at the North Pole.
of the Sun's energy striking
the Earth north of the
equator.
At this point on the Earth's surface, it spreads over a circular area 1000 kilometres in diameter. It provides light and heat.
Select the beam of sunlight and move it up as far as you can, so that it strikes the
area at the North Pole.
Seasons
1000 km
3600 km
Sunlight
Notice how the same beam
of energy from the Sun
strikes a much larger area
near the pole. Now it covers an oblong area of about 3600 kilometres.
This means that the Sun's
light and heat are spread
over a much larger area at
the poles. The result is less heating of the Earth's surface in these locations, so it is colder.
of energy from the Sun
strikes a much larger area
near the pole. Now it covers an oblong area of about 3600 kilometres.
This means that the Sun's
light and heat are spread
over a much larger area at
the poles. The result is less heating of the Earth's surface in these locations, so it is colder.
Seasons
The Earth's atmosphere also affects how the Sun's energy reaches the Earth. Near the poles, the Sun's rays have to travel through more of the atmosphere, so more of their energy is reflected back into space.
Where on the Earth does the beam go through the
minimum amount of the atmosphere? Location A Location B Location C Submit
Where on the Earth does the beam go through the
minimum amount of the atmosphere? Location A Location B Location C Submit
That's not it.
The Sun's rays travel a smaller distance through the Earth's atmosphere at another location. Try again
The Sun's rays travel a smaller distance through the Earth's atmosphere at another location. Try again
That's still not right.
Here's a hint: the Sun's rays travel through less of the atmosphere near the equator. Try again
Here's a hint: the Sun's rays travel through less of the atmosphere near the equator. Try again
Seasons
Correct!
The more directly overhead the Sun is, the less of the atmosphere its rays have to travel through. This means that the maximum amount of heat energy reaches the Earth at or near the equator.
The more directly overhead the Sun is, the less of the atmosphere its rays have to travel through. This means that the maximum amount of heat energy reaches the Earth at or near the equator.
Seasons
Where does the beam move through the maximum
amount of the atmosphere? Location A Location B Location C Submit
amount of the atmosphere? Location A Location B Location C Submit
That's not it.
The Sun's rays have to travel a greater distance through the Earth's atmosphere at another location. Try again
The Sun's rays have to travel a greater distance through the Earth's atmosphere at another location. Try again
That's still not right.
Here's a hint: the Sun's rays travel further through the atmosphere near the Earth's poles. Try again
Here's a hint: the Sun's rays travel further through the atmosphere near the Earth's poles. Try again
Seasons
Correct!
The lower the Sun appears in the sky, the more of the atmosphere the beam has to travel through. This reflects more of its energy into space, reducing its heating effect.
The lower the Sun appears in the sky, the more of the atmosphere the beam has to travel through. This reflects more of its energy into space, reducing its heating effect.
Seasons
There are four locations marked on the Earth:
• W is in the Arctic Ocean.
• X is on the equator.
• Y is near the equator.
• Z is in Antarctica.
• W is in the Arctic Ocean.
• X is on the equator.
• Y is near the equator.
• Z is in Antarctica.
Seasons
Which of the following statements do you think is correct?
X (on the equator) and Z (in Antarctica) are the coldest.
W and Z are warmer than X and Y.
W and Z are colder than X and Y.
Submit
That's not it.
Look at where the four sites are located. Try again
Look at where the four sites are located. Try again
That's still not right.
Which locations do you think would be colder? Try again
Which locations do you think would be colder? Try again
Seasons
Correct!
The temperatures at the two locations near the equator (X and Y) are warmer than the locations near the North and South Poles.
The temperatures at the two locations near the equator (X and Y) are warmer than the locations near the North and South Poles.
Seasons
It is colder at the poles because:
The energy from the Sun, which heats the Earth, has to travel further to reach the poles.
It is cloudier at the poles.
The energy from the Sun is spread over a greater area near the poles.
Submit
That's not it.
Lots of people think that this is the reason, but the extra distance to the poles is so small compared to how far away the Sun is, that it has no noticeable effect. Try again
Lots of people think that this is the reason, but the extra distance to the poles is so small compared to how far away the Sun is, that it has no noticeable effect. Try again
That's not it.
Although clouds can block energy from the Sun, this is not the main reason why the poles are colder. Try again
Although clouds can block energy from the Sun, this is not the main reason why the poles are colder. Try again
Seasons
Correct!
Sunlight strikes the Earth at the poles at a much lower angle, therefore its energy is spread over a much greater area.
This reduces its heating
effect compared to near the equator, where the Sun can
be directly overhead, with its energy concentrated on a smaller area.
Sunlight strikes the Earth at the poles at a much lower angle, therefore its energy is spread over a much greater area.
This reduces its heating
effect compared to near the equator, where the Sun can
be directly overhead, with its energy concentrated on a smaller area.
Seasons
Choose all the correct statements from the list below. There may
be more than one. Temperatures at the poles are lower because there is generally more cloud cover. The energy from the Sun is spread over a greater area near the poles. The energy from the Sun is spread over a greater area near the equator. It is colder at the poles than at the equator because the Sun's rays have to travel further. Near the poles, more of the Sun's energy is reflected back into space as it has to travel through more of the atmosphere. If the Sun is directly overhead, the maximum amount of heat energy reaches the Earth. Submit
be more than one. Temperatures at the poles are lower because there is generally more cloud cover. The energy from the Sun is spread over a greater area near the poles. The energy from the Sun is spread over a greater area near the equator. It is colder at the poles than at the equator because the Sun's rays have to travel further. Near the poles, more of the Sun's energy is reflected back into space as it has to travel through more of the atmosphere. If the Sun is directly overhead, the maximum amount of heat energy reaches the Earth. Submit
You have not selected all the correct statements.
Try again
Seasons
Compared to the plane in which the Earth revolves around the Sun, the Earth's axis of rotation is tilted.
This means that at different times during the year, the northern or southern hemisphere is tilted towards the Sun.
In position 1 of this model,
the northern hemisphere is tilted towards the Sun.
This means that at different times during the year, the northern or southern hemisphere is tilted towards the Sun.
In position 1 of this model,
the northern hemisphere is tilted towards the Sun.
Seasons
You can select the Earth in
the top diagram and move it
to different positions in its orbital path.
Now move it to the position where its southern
hemisphere is tilted towards the Sun. Submit
the top diagram and move it
to different positions in its orbital path.
Now move it to the position where its southern
hemisphere is tilted towards the Sun. Submit
That's not it.
Australia is in the southern hemisphere. Look at the close-up view of the Earth and use Australia's position as a guide. Try again
Australia is in the southern hemisphere. Look at the close-up view of the Earth and use Australia's position as a guide. Try again
That's still not right.
Try moving the Earth to
position 3. Try again
Try moving the Earth to
position 3. Try again
Seasons
Correct!
When the Earth is in this position, the southern hemisphere is tilted towards the Sun.
When the Earth is in this position, the southern hemisphere is tilted towards the Sun.
That's not it.
Australia is in the southern hemisphere. Look at the close-up view of the Earth and use Australia's position as a guide. Try again
Australia is in the southern hemisphere. Look at the close-up view of the Earth and use Australia's position as a guide. Try again
That's still not right.
Try moving the Earth to
position 3. Try again
Try moving the Earth to
position 3. Try again
Seasons
Melbourne is in the southern hemisphere.
The View from Melbourne shows the apparent path of
the Sun across the sky as viewed from Melbourne.
Use Rotate to see the Sun
rise and set.
The View from Melbourne shows the apparent path of
the Sun across the sky as viewed from Melbourne.
Use Rotate to see the Sun
rise and set.
Seasons
When the Earth is at this position in its orbit, what season do you think it is in Melbourne?
Summer
Autumn
Winter
Spring
Submit
That's not it.
The Sun is high in the sky when the Earth is tilted towards it. What effect do you think that has on temperatures? Try again
The Sun is high in the sky when the Earth is tilted towards it. What effect do you think that has on temperatures? Try again
Incorrect.
Remember, the Sun is high in the sky, so it has a stronger heating effect. Try again
Remember, the Sun is high in the sky, so it has a stronger heating effect. Try again
That's still not right.
When the Earth is in this position in its orbit, it is summer in Melbourne. Try again
When the Earth is in this position in its orbit, it is summer in Melbourne. Try again
Seasons
Correct!
When the southern hemisphere is tilted towards the Sun, it is summer there.
The Sun is high in the sky, so it has a stronger heating effect. Also, more hours of daylight mean that heating occurs for a longer period.
When the southern hemisphere is tilted towards the Sun, it is summer there.
The Sun is high in the sky, so it has a stronger heating effect. Also, more hours of daylight mean that heating occurs for a longer period.
Seasons
Now move the Earth to a position along its orbit when
it is winter in Melbourne. Submit
it is winter in Melbourne. Submit
That's not it.
Select the location opposite where the Earth was when it was summer in Melbourne. Try again
Select the location opposite where the Earth was when it was summer in Melbourne. Try again
That's still not right.
Try moving the Earth to position 1. Try again
Try moving the Earth to position 1. Try again
Seasons
Correct!
When the southern
hemisphere is tilted away
from the Sun, it is winter there.
When the southern
hemisphere is tilted away
from the Sun, it is winter there.
That's not it.
The Sun is high in the sky when
the Earth is tilted towards it.
What effect do you think that has on temperatures? Try again
The Sun is high in the sky when
the Earth is tilted towards it.
What effect do you think that has on temperatures? Try again
Incorrect.
Remember, the Sun is high in the sky, so it has a stronger heating effect. Try again
Remember, the Sun is high in the sky, so it has a stronger heating effect. Try again
That's still not right.
When the Earth is in this position
in its orbit, it is summer in Melbourne. Try again
When the Earth is in this position
in its orbit, it is summer in Melbourne. Try again
Seasons
Now look at the View from Melbourne.
Compared to its position in summer, would you say that
in winter the Sun is: High in the sky Low in the sky Neither high nor low You can use Back to review the Sun's position in
summer. Submit
Compared to its position in summer, would you say that
in winter the Sun is: High in the sky Low in the sky Neither high nor low You can use Back to review the Sun's position in
summer. Submit
That's not it.
Use Back to compare the position of the Sun in the sky in summer. Try again
Use Back to compare the position of the Sun in the sky in summer. Try again
That's still not right.
The southern hemisphere is tilted away from the Sun, which means the Sun appears lower in the sky. Try again
The southern hemisphere is tilted away from the Sun, which means the Sun appears lower in the sky. Try again
Seasons
Correct!
In this position, the southern hemisphere is tilted away from the Sun, which means the Sun appears low in the sky. There are also less hours of daylight. These things make it colder.
In this position, the southern hemisphere is tilted away from the Sun, which means the Sun appears low in the sky. There are also less hours of daylight. These things make it colder.
Seasons
Now move the Earth to a position in its orbit so that neither hemisphere is tilted towards the Sun.
Note that there are two
views of the Earth — A and B. You may need to check both views to confirm your choice. Submit
Note that there are two
views of the Earth — A and B. You may need to check both views to confirm your choice. Submit
That's not it.
Remember that when the Earth was in position 1, the northern hemisphere was tilted towards the Sun, and in position 3, the southern hemisphere was tilted towards the Sun. Try again
Remember that when the Earth was in position 1, the northern hemisphere was tilted towards the Sun, and in position 3, the southern hemisphere was tilted towards the Sun. Try again
That's still not right.
Try position 2 or 4. Try again
Try position 2 or 4. Try again
Seasons
Correct!
At this position in its orbit, neither of the Earth's hemispheres is tilted towards the Sun.
At this position in its orbit, neither of the Earth's hemispheres is tilted towards the Sun.
Seasons
At this position in the Earth's orbit, what season do you think it is in Melbourne?
Summer
Autumn
Winter
Spring
Submit
That's not it.
The Earth is moving from a point where it was summer in the southern hemisphere to a point where it will be winter. What season occurs after summer? Try again
The Earth is moving from a point where it was summer in the southern hemisphere to a point where it will be winter. What season occurs after summer? Try again
Incorrect.
Neither of the Earth's hemispheres is tilted towards the Sun, so it
must be either spring or autumn. Try again
Neither of the Earth's hemispheres is tilted towards the Sun, so it
must be either spring or autumn. Try again
That's still not right.
The answer is autumn. Try again
The answer is autumn. Try again
Seasons
Correct!
The Earth is moving from a point where it was summer in the southern hemisphere to a point where it will be winter.
So at the position halfway in between, it is autumn in Melbourne.
The Earth is moving from a point where it was summer in the southern hemisphere to a point where it will be winter.
So at the position halfway in between, it is autumn in Melbourne.
Seasons
Look at the View from Melbourne.
Compared to its position in summer and winter, would
you say that in autumn the
Sun is: High in the sky Low in the sky Neither high nor low You can use Back to review the Sun's position in
summer and winter. Submit
Compared to its position in summer and winter, would
you say that in autumn the
Sun is: High in the sky Low in the sky Neither high nor low You can use Back to review the Sun's position in
summer and winter. Submit
That's not it.
Think about the position of the Sun in the sky during summer and winter. Use Back to check if you need to. Try again
Think about the position of the Sun in the sky during summer and winter. Use Back to check if you need to. Try again
That's still not right.
Compared to summer or winter, the Sun is neither high nor low in the sky in autumn. Try again
Compared to summer or winter, the Sun is neither high nor low in the sky in autumn. Try again
Seasons
Correct!
At this position in the Earth's orbit, the southern hemisphere is not tilted towards or away from the Sun. So during autumn in Melbourne, the Sun is neither high nor low in the sky.
At this position in the Earth's orbit, the southern hemisphere is not tilted towards or away from the Sun. So during autumn in Melbourne, the Sun is neither high nor low in the sky.
Seasons
Now move the Earth to the position in its orbit where it
is spring in Melbourne. Submit
is spring in Melbourne. Submit
That's not it.
Think about which direction the Earth is orbiting. Remember that spring follows winter. Try again
Think about which direction the Earth is orbiting. Remember that spring follows winter. Try again
That's still not right.
Try position 2. Try again
Try position 2. Try again
Seasons
Correct!
The Earth is moving from a point where it was winter in the southern hemisphere to a point where it will be summer.
So at the position halfway in between, it is spring in Melbourne.
The Earth is moving from a point where it was winter in the southern hemisphere to a point where it will be summer.
So at the position halfway in between, it is spring in Melbourne.
Seasons
Here is a city in the northern hemisphere — Beijing.
Move the Earth to the
position in its orbit where it
is winter in Beijing. Submit
Move the Earth to the
position in its orbit where it
is winter in Beijing. Submit
That's not it.
Position the Earth so that the northern hemisphere is tilted
away from the Sun. Try again
Position the Earth so that the northern hemisphere is tilted
away from the Sun. Try again
That's still not right.
Try position 3. Try again
Try position 3. Try again
Seasons
Correct!
Beijing is in the northern hemisphere, which is tilted away from the Sun at this time of the year. So it is winter there.
Beijing is in the northern hemisphere, which is tilted away from the Sun at this time of the year. So it is winter there.
Seasons
That's not it.
When one hemisphere is tilted towards the Sun, the other must
be tilted away. Try again
When one hemisphere is tilted towards the Sun, the other must
be tilted away. Try again
Incorrect.
Here's a hint: when it is winter in Beijing, the southern hemisphere
is tilted towards the Sun. Try again
Here's a hint: when it is winter in Beijing, the southern hemisphere
is tilted towards the Sun. Try again
That's still not right.
The answer is summer. Try again
The answer is summer. Try again
Seasons
Correct!
When one hemisphere is tilted towards the Sun, the other is tilted away. So when it is winter in one hemisphere, it is summer in the other.
When one hemisphere is tilted towards the Sun, the other is tilted away. So when it is winter in one hemisphere, it is summer in the other.
Seasons
Here is another city, Singapore. It is almost right
on the equator.
At this position in the Earth's orbit, what season do you think it is in Singapore? Summer Winter Neither of the above Submit
on the equator.
At this position in the Earth's orbit, what season do you think it is in Singapore? Summer Winter Neither of the above Submit
That's not it.
Places near the equator do not experience much seasonal variation. Try again
Places near the equator do not experience much seasonal variation. Try again
That's still not right.
Places on the equator have
neither summer nor winter. Try again
Places on the equator have
neither summer nor winter. Try again
Seasons
Correct!
Places near the equator do not experience much seasonal variation because the Sun is always high in the sky. This makes it warm to hot all year round.
The climate of places near the equator is affected more by prevailing winds, elevation and rainfall.
Places near the equator do not experience much seasonal variation because the Sun is always high in the sky. This makes it warm to hot all year round.
The climate of places near the equator is affected more by prevailing winds, elevation and rainfall.
Seasons
Now let's pretend the Earth's axis was not tilted. How do
you think that would affect
the seasons?
Move the Earth to the various positions in its orbit to investigate.
Which statement is correct? The seasons are unaffected. The seasons are reversed. There are no seasons. Submit
you think that would affect
the seasons?
Move the Earth to the various positions in its orbit to investigate.
Which statement is correct? The seasons are unaffected. The seasons are reversed. There are no seasons. Submit
That's not it.
In this situation, neither hemisphere is tilted towards or away from the Sun. Try again
In this situation, neither hemisphere is tilted towards or away from the Sun. Try again
That's still not right.
There would be no seasons. Try again
There would be no seasons. Try again
Seasons
Correct!
Without a tilted axis, neither hemisphere tilts either towards or away from the Sun at any time during the year. So seasons would not exist.
Without a tilted axis, neither hemisphere tilts either towards or away from the Sun at any time during the year. So seasons would not exist.
Seasons
Choose all the correct statements from the list below. There may
be more than one. The Earth rotates on an axis that is tilted. There is one position in the Earth's orbit where the hemispheres tilt towards or away from the Sun. When a hemisphere tilts towards the Sun, it is summer in that hemisphere. When a hemisphere tilts away from the Sun, it is winter in that hemisphere. In spring and autumn, neither hemisphere tilts towards or away from the Sun. Places near the equator have the same seasons as those further from the equator. If the Earth's axis were not tilted, the seasons would be the same as they are now. Submit
be more than one. The Earth rotates on an axis that is tilted. There is one position in the Earth's orbit where the hemispheres tilt towards or away from the Sun. When a hemisphere tilts towards the Sun, it is summer in that hemisphere. When a hemisphere tilts away from the Sun, it is winter in that hemisphere. In spring and autumn, neither hemisphere tilts towards or away from the Sun. Places near the equator have the same seasons as those further from the equator. If the Earth's axis were not tilted, the seasons would be the same as they are now. Submit
You have not selected all the correct statements.
Try again
Seasons
Wanganui in New Zealand has
a latitude of approximately
40 south.
The View from Wanganui
shows the apparent path of
the Sun across the sky as viewed from Wanganui in
June.
Use Rotate to see the Sun moving across the sky.
a latitude of approximately
40 south.
The View from Wanganui
shows the apparent path of
the Sun across the sky as viewed from Wanganui in
June.
Use Rotate to see the Sun moving across the sky.
Seasons
The Daylight counter shows approximately how many
hours of daylight Wanganui experiences on a given day.
Use Orbit to change the date and you will see the duration of daylight change.
Select Add to put the hours
of daylight in the table.
hours of daylight Wanganui experiences on a given day.
Use Orbit to change the date and you will see the duration of daylight change.
Select Add to put the hours
of daylight in the table.
Seasons
Use the arrows on either side of the date to move the
Earth forward or backward a day at a time.
Selecting Add will replace
the data in your table from
the previous setting.
Earth forward or backward a day at a time.
Selecting Add will replace
the data in your table from
the previous setting.
Seasons
Move the Earth to the first date in the calendar year
when there are
approximately 12 hours of daylight in Wanganui.
Use the date and orbit controls, and look at the Daylight counter to help you find the correct date.
Select Add to complete the table, then select Submit table. Submit table
when there are
approximately 12 hours of daylight in Wanganui.
Use the date and orbit controls, and look at the Daylight counter to help you find the correct date.
Select Add to complete the table, then select Submit table. Submit table
That's not it.
Watch the Daylight counter for Wanganui as you try the Earth in different positions around the Sun.
Make sure you select the first date in the calendar year on which a day in Wanganui is 12 hours long. Try again
Watch the Daylight counter for Wanganui as you try the Earth in different positions around the Sun.
Make sure you select the first date in the calendar year on which a day in Wanganui is 12 hours long. Try again
That's still not right.
Move the Earth so that the date is 21 March. Try again
Move the Earth so that the date is 21 March. Try again
Seasons
Good work.
Now find another position in the Earth's orbit when the
day in Wanganui is approximately 12 hours long.
Select Add to complete the table, then select Submit table. Submit table
Now find another position in the Earth's orbit when the
day in Wanganui is approximately 12 hours long.
Select Add to complete the table, then select Submit table. Submit table
That's not it.
Watch the Daylight counter for Wanganui as you try the Earth in different positions around the
Sun.
Make sure you select the second date in the calendar year on
which a day in Wanganui is 12 hours long. Try again
Watch the Daylight counter for Wanganui as you try the Earth in different positions around the
Sun.
Make sure you select the second date in the calendar year on
which a day in Wanganui is 12 hours long. Try again
That's still not right.
Move the Earth so that the date is 21 September. Try again
Move the Earth so that the date is 21 September. Try again
Seasons
Excellent.
The two 12-hour days in Wanganui occur on 21 March and 21 September.
The two 12-hour days in Wanganui occur on 21 March and 21 September.
That's not it.
Watch the Daylight counter for Wanganui as you try the Earth in different positions around the
Sun.
Make sure you select the second date in the calendar year on
which a day in Wanganui is 12 hours long. Try again
Watch the Daylight counter for Wanganui as you try the Earth in different positions around the
Sun.
Make sure you select the second date in the calendar year on
which a day in Wanganui is 12 hours long. Try again
That's still not right.
Move the Earth so that the date is 21 September. Try again
Move the Earth so that the date is 21 September. Try again
Seasons
8.00 pm
Daylight: 9 hr 9 min
Add
Location
Date
Daylight
Wanganui
21 Mar
12 hr 0 min
Wanganui
21 Sept
12 hr 0 min
Beijing
Beijing, China, has a latitude of about 40 north.
There are two days a year when there are
approximately 12 hours of daylight in Beijing.
Move the Earth to the
position in its orbit when it is the first time in the year this occurs.
Select Add to complete the table, then select Submit table. Submit table
There are two days a year when there are
approximately 12 hours of daylight in Beijing.
Move the Earth to the
position in its orbit when it is the first time in the year this occurs.
Select Add to complete the table, then select Submit table. Submit table
That's not it.
Watch the Daylight counter for Beijing as you try the Earth in different positions around the
Sun.
Make sure you select the first
date in the calendar year on
which a day in Beijing is 12 hours long. Try again
Watch the Daylight counter for Beijing as you try the Earth in different positions around the
Sun.
Make sure you select the first
date in the calendar year on
which a day in Beijing is 12 hours long. Try again
That's still not right.
Move the Earth so that the date is 21 March. Try again
Move the Earth so that the date is 21 March. Try again
Seasons
8.00 pm
Daylight: 9 hr 9 min
Add
Location
Date
Daylight
Wanganui
21 Mar
12 hr 0 min
Wanganui
21 Sept
12 hr 0 min
Beijing
21 Mar
12 hr 0 min
Beijing
Good work.
That is one of the dates
when the day is
approximately 12 hours long
in Beijing.
Now move the Earth to another time of the year
when the day in Beijing is
12 hours long.
Select Add to complete the table, then select Submit table. Submit table
That is one of the dates
when the day is
approximately 12 hours long
in Beijing.
Now move the Earth to another time of the year
when the day in Beijing is
12 hours long.
Select Add to complete the table, then select Submit table. Submit table
That's not it.
Watch the Daylight counter for Beijing as you try the Earth in different positions around the
Sun.
Make sure you select the second
date in the calendar year on
which a day in Beijing is 12 hours long. Try again
Watch the Daylight counter for Beijing as you try the Earth in different positions around the
Sun.
Make sure you select the second
date in the calendar year on
which a day in Beijing is 12 hours long. Try again
That's still not right.
Move the Earth so that the date is 21 September. Try again
Move the Earth so that the date is 21 September. Try again
Seasons
Correct!
Did you notice that the two
12-hour days in Wanganui are the same dates as the two
12-hour days in Beijing —
21 March and 21 September?
The dates when day and
night have equal length are called the equinoxes, and
they can vary by a day or so from year to year.
Did you notice that the two
12-hour days in Wanganui are the same dates as the two
12-hour days in Beijing —
21 March and 21 September?
The dates when day and
night have equal length are called the equinoxes, and
they can vary by a day or so from year to year.
Seasons
Wanganui and Beijing are not the only cities to have approximately 12 hours of daylight on the equinoxes.
This is also the case in other cities as well.
In fact, give or take a few minutes, on these two days,
no matter where you are in
the world, the day is about
12 hours long.
This is also the case in other cities as well.
In fact, give or take a few minutes, on these two days,
no matter where you are in
the world, the day is about
12 hours long.
Seasons
Daylight:
Add
Location
Date
Daylight
Wanganui
21 Mar
12 hr 0 min
Wanganui
21 Sept
12 hr 0 min
Beijing
21 Mar
12 hr 0 min
Beijing
21 Sept
12 hr 0 min
Each year there are two equinoxes, when day and
night are equal length.
Why do you think the equinoxes happen at these
two points in the Earth's orbit around the Sun?
Because the Earth's axis is: Tilted neither away from nor towards the Sun Tilted towards the Sun Tilted away from the Sun Submit
night are equal length.
Why do you think the equinoxes happen at these
two points in the Earth's orbit around the Sun?
Because the Earth's axis is: Tilted neither away from nor towards the Sun Tilted towards the Sun Tilted away from the Sun Submit
That's not it.
Look at the direction the Earth's axis is tilted on these dates. Try again
Look at the direction the Earth's axis is tilted on these dates. Try again
That's still not right.
In this position, the Earth's axis isn't tilted away from, or towards, the Sun. Try again
In this position, the Earth's axis isn't tilted away from, or towards, the Sun. Try again
Seasons
Correct!
On the equinoxes, the tilt of the Earth's axis isn't away
from or towards the Sun, so the southern and northern hemispheres receive equal amounts of daylight.
Check View A and you will
see that the day/night boundary is in line with the axis at this position.
On the equinoxes, the tilt of the Earth's axis isn't away
from or towards the Sun, so the southern and northern hemispheres receive equal amounts of daylight.
Check View A and you will
see that the day/night boundary is in line with the axis at this position.
Seasons
12.00 am
Daylight: 9 hr 9 min
Add
Location
Date
Daylight
Wanganui
21 Mar
12 hr 0 min
Wanganui
21 Sept
12 hr 0 min
Beijing
21 Mar
12 hr 0 min
Beijing
21 Sept
12 hr 0 min
Wanganui
Now move the Earth to the position when there are the least hours of daylight in Wanganui.
Select Add to complete the table, then select Submit table. Submit table
Select Add to complete the table, then select Submit table. Submit table
That's not it.
Watch the Daylight counter for Wanganui as you try the Earth in different positions around the
Sun. Try again
Watch the Daylight counter for Wanganui as you try the Earth in different positions around the
Sun. Try again
That's still not right.
Move the Earth so that the date is
21 June. Try again
Move the Earth so that the date is
21 June. Try again
Seasons
8.00 pm
Daylight:
Add
The shortest day of the year
in Wanganui (approximately
9 hours and 9 minutes) is also the shortest day in other places in the southern hemisphere.
This is because: Neither hemisphere tilts towards or away from the Sun. The southern hemisphere tilts away from the Sun. The southern hemisphere tilts towards the Sun. Submit
in Wanganui (approximately
9 hours and 9 minutes) is also the shortest day in other places in the southern hemisphere.
This is because: Neither hemisphere tilts towards or away from the Sun. The southern hemisphere tilts away from the Sun. The southern hemisphere tilts towards the Sun. Submit
That's not it.
Look at the direction the southern hemisphere is tilted on 21 June. Try again
Look at the direction the southern hemisphere is tilted on 21 June. Try again
That's still not right.
The southern hemisphere is tilted away from the Sun. Try again
The southern hemisphere is tilted away from the Sun. Try again
Seasons
8.00 pm
Daylight:
Add
Correct!
When the southern hemisphere is tilted away from the Sun, it has less time to receive daylight and warmth as the Earth rotates.
When the southern hemisphere is tilted away from the Sun, it has less time to receive daylight and warmth as the Earth rotates.
Seasons
12.00 am
Daylight: 9 hr 9 min
Add
Location
Date
Daylight
Wanganui
21 Mar
12 hr 0 min
Wanganui
21 Sept
12 hr 0 min
Beijing
21 Mar
12 hr 0 min
Beijing
21 Sept
12 hr 0 min
Wanganui
21 June
9 hr 9 min
Beijing
Approximately how long is
the day in Beijing on
21 June? 9 hours and 9 minutes 12 hours 14 hours and 51 minutes Submit
the day in Beijing on
21 June? 9 hours and 9 minutes 12 hours 14 hours and 51 minutes Submit
That's not it.
Move the Earth so that the date is 21 June and check the Daylight counter. Try again
Move the Earth so that the date is 21 June and check the Daylight counter. Try again
That's still not right.
There are about 14 hours and 51 minutes of daylight in Beijing on
21 June. Try again
There are about 14 hours and 51 minutes of daylight in Beijing on
21 June. Try again
Seasons
8.00 pm
Daylight:
Add
Correct!
On this day, there are about
14 hours and 51 minutes of daylight.
On this day, there are about
14 hours and 51 minutes of daylight.
Seasons
Beijing is the same latitude north of the equator as Wanganui is south of the equator. However, it has
much longer days around
21 June.
This is because: Neither hemisphere tilts towards or away from the Sun. The northern hemisphere tilts away from the Sun. The northern hemisphere tilts towards the Sun. Submit
much longer days around
21 June.
This is because: Neither hemisphere tilts towards or away from the Sun. The northern hemisphere tilts away from the Sun. The northern hemisphere tilts towards the Sun. Submit
That's not it.
Look at the direction the northern hemisphere is tilted on 21 June. Try again
Look at the direction the northern hemisphere is tilted on 21 June. Try again
That's still not right.
The northern hemisphere is tilted towards the Sun. Try again
The northern hemisphere is tilted towards the Sun. Try again
Seasons
Correct!
When the northern
hemisphere is tilted towards the Sun, it has more time to receive daylight and warmth
as the Earth rotates.
When the northern
hemisphere is tilted towards the Sun, it has more time to receive daylight and warmth
as the Earth rotates.
Seasons
12.00 am
Daylight: 9 hr 9 min
Add
Location
Date
Daylight
Wanganui
21 Mar
12 hr 0 min
Wanganui
21 Sept
12 hr 0 min
Beijing
21 Mar
12 hr 0 min
Beijing
21 Sept
12 hr 0 min
Wanganui
21 June
9 hr 9 min
Beijing
21 June
14 hr 51 min
Wanganui
Now move the Earth to the position when there are the most hours of daylight in Wanganui.
Select Add to complete the table, then select Submit table. Submit table
Select Add to complete the table, then select Submit table. Submit table
That's not it.
Watch the Daylight counter for Wanganui as you try the Earth in different positions around the
Sun. Try again
Watch the Daylight counter for Wanganui as you try the Earth in different positions around the
Sun. Try again
That's still not right.
Move the Earth so that the date is 21 December. Try again
Move the Earth so that the date is 21 December. Try again
Seasons
4.00 pm
Daylight:
Add
Correct!
The longest day of the year
in Wanganui (approximately
15 hours) is 21 December. It
is also the longest day in
other places in the southern hemisphere.
The longest day of the year
in Wanganui (approximately
15 hours) is 21 December. It
is also the longest day in
other places in the southern hemisphere.
Seasons
Why is 21 December also the longest day in other places in the southern hemisphere?
Neither hemisphere tilts towards or away from the Sun.
The southern hemisphere tilts away from the Sun.
The southern hemisphere tilts towards the Sun.
Submit
That's not it.
Look at the direction the southern hemisphere is tilted on
21 December. Try again
Look at the direction the southern hemisphere is tilted on
21 December. Try again
That's still not right.
The southern hemisphere is tilted towards the Sun. Try again
The southern hemisphere is tilted towards the Sun. Try again
Seasons
Correct!
When the southern hemisphere is tilted towards the Sun, it has more time to receive daylight and warmth as the Earth rotates.
When the southern hemisphere is tilted towards the Sun, it has more time to receive daylight and warmth as the Earth rotates.
Seasons
12.00 am
Daylight: 9 hr 9 min
Add
Location
Date
Daylight
Wanganui
21 Mar
12 hr 0 min
Wanganui
21 Sept
12 hr 0 min
Beijing
21 Mar
12 hr 0 min
Beijing
21 Sept
12 hr 0 min
Wanganui
21 June
12 hr 0 min
Beijing
21 June
14 hr 51 min
Wanganui
21 Dec
14 hr 51 min
Beijing
So approximately how long
do you think a day is in
Beijing on 21 December? 9 hours and 9 minutes 12 hours 14 hours and 51 minutes Submit
do you think a day is in
Beijing on 21 December? 9 hours and 9 minutes 12 hours 14 hours and 51 minutes Submit
That's not it.
Move the Earth so that the date is 21 December. Look at the
Daylight counter for Beijing. Try again
Move the Earth so that the date is 21 December. Look at the
Daylight counter for Beijing. Try again
That's still not right.
There are 9 hours and 9 minutes
of daylight. Try again
There are 9 hours and 9 minutes
of daylight. Try again
Seasons
Correct!
The shortest day in Beijing is about the same length as the shortest day in Wanganui.
Because Wanganui and
Beijing are the same distance from the equator (40 south
and 40 north), both their shortest and longest days are the same lengths. However, they occur six months apart because they are in different hemispheres.
The shortest day in Beijing is about the same length as the shortest day in Wanganui.
Because Wanganui and
Beijing are the same distance from the equator (40 south
and 40 north), both their shortest and longest days are the same lengths. However, they occur six months apart because they are in different hemispheres.
Seasons
Now let's pretend the Earth's axis was not tilted.
How do you think this would affect the length of the days
at these locations at
different times of the year? The length of the days would be unaffected. The days would be approximately 12 hours long everywhere, all the time. The days would be shorter in winter and longer in summer. Submit
How do you think this would affect the length of the days
at these locations at
different times of the year? The length of the days would be unaffected. The days would be approximately 12 hours long everywhere, all the time. The days would be shorter in winter and longer in summer. Submit
That's not it.
Look at the Earth at different
times of the year. Is either hemisphere tilted towards the
Sun? Try again
Look at the Earth at different
times of the year. Is either hemisphere tilted towards the
Sun? Try again
That's still not right.
If the Earth's axis was not tilted, day length would be the same everywhere all the time. Try again
If the Earth's axis was not tilted, day length would be the same everywhere all the time. Try again
Seasons
Correct!
Without a tilted axis, neither hemisphere would lean either towards or away from the Sun at any time of the year.
So everywhere on Earth would face towards the Sun for 12 hours and away from the Sun for 12 hours, every day of the year.
Without a tilted axis, neither hemisphere would lean either towards or away from the Sun at any time of the year.
So everywhere on Earth would face towards the Sun for 12 hours and away from the Sun for 12 hours, every day of the year.
That's not it.
Look at the Earth at different
times of the year. Is either hemisphere tilted towards the
Sun? Try again
Look at the Earth at different
times of the year. Is either hemisphere tilted towards the
Sun? Try again
That's still not right.
If the Earth's axis was not tilted, day length would be the same everywhere all the time. Try again
If the Earth's axis was not tilted, day length would be the same everywhere all the time. Try again
Seasons
Choose all the correct statements from the list below. There may
be more than one. On 21 March and 21 September (the equinoxes), the days have 12 hours of daylight. Equinoxes occur when the southern hemisphere is tilted towards the Sun. In winter there are fewer hours of daylight, and in summer there are more. Summer occurs at the same time in the southern and northern hemispheres. The shortest day in the southern hemisphere is the longest day in the northern hemisphere. The longest day in the northern hemisphere is 21 December. If the Earth didn't have a tilted axis, all days would be approximately 12 hours long everywhere on Earth. Submit
be more than one. On 21 March and 21 September (the equinoxes), the days have 12 hours of daylight. Equinoxes occur when the southern hemisphere is tilted towards the Sun. In winter there are fewer hours of daylight, and in summer there are more. Summer occurs at the same time in the southern and northern hemispheres. The shortest day in the southern hemisphere is the longest day in the northern hemisphere. The longest day in the northern hemisphere is 21 December. If the Earth didn't have a tilted axis, all days would be approximately 12 hours long everywhere on Earth. Submit
You have not selected all the correct statements.
Try again
Seasons
90° North
Equator 0°
90° South
60°
30°
60°
30°
The latitude of a location is
an angular measure, in degrees, north or south of
the equator.
The equator has a latitude of 0. The South Pole has a latitude of 90 south.
In this activity, you will investigate what effect latitude has on daylight hours in different locations.
an angular measure, in degrees, north or south of
the equator.
The equator has a latitude of 0. The South Pole has a latitude of 90 south.
In this activity, you will investigate what effect latitude has on daylight hours in different locations.
That's not it.
The Sun's rays travel a smaller distance through the Earth's atmosphere at another location. Try again
The Sun's rays travel a smaller distance through the Earth's atmosphere at another location. Try again
Seasons
12.00 am
Location
Date
Daylight
Cairns
In this view, the location of Cairns is shown on the Earth.
The View from Cairns shows the apparent path of the Sun across the sky as viewed from Cairns in June.
Use Rotate to see the Sun
rise and set.
When you are ready, select Calculate daylight hours for this location.
The View from Cairns shows the apparent path of the Sun across the sky as viewed from Cairns in June.
Use Rotate to see the Sun
rise and set.
When you are ready, select Calculate daylight hours for this location.
Seasons
12.00 am
Location
Date
Daylight
Cairns
Use Orbit to change the
date, and you will see the
path of the Sun appears to change.
When you're ready, select Calculate daylight hours to
get a new reading.
date, and you will see the
path of the Sun appears to change.
When you're ready, select Calculate daylight hours to
get a new reading.
Seasons
12.00 am
Location
Date
Daylight
Cairns
Use the arrows on either side of the date to move the
Earth forward and backward
a day at a time.
Select Calculate daylight
hours to replace your data in the table.
Earth forward and backward
a day at a time.
Select Calculate daylight
hours to replace your data in the table.
Seasons
12.00 am
Location
Date
Daylight
Cairns
Approximately how many daylight hours does Cairns experience on
21 December?
Move the Earth to the
position in its orbit when it is 21 December.
Select Calculate daylight hours, then Submit table. Submit table
21 December?
Move the Earth to the
position in its orbit when it is 21 December.
Select Calculate daylight hours, then Submit table. Submit table
That's not it.
Make sure the Earth is positioned at the correct day in its orbit and look at the daylight column of the table. Try again
Make sure the Earth is positioned at the correct day in its orbit and look at the daylight column of the table. Try again
That's still not right.
Move the Earth so that the date is 21 December. Try again
Move the Earth so that the date is 21 December. Try again
Seasons
12.00 am
Cairns
W
N
E
S
Correct!
On 21 December, Cairns gets about 13 hours of daylight.
On 21 December, Cairns gets about 13 hours of daylight.
Seasons
12.00 am
Now there are four locations marked on the globe.
•Kisumu, Kenya is almost
right on the equator, at
0 latitude.
•Cairns, Australia has a latitude of approximately
17 south.
•Wanganui, New Zealand
has a latitude of
40 south.
•The Mawson Antarctic Base
is located at a latitude of
67.5 south.
•
right on the equator, at
0 latitude.
•
17 south.
•
has a latitude of
40 south.
•
is located at a latitude of
67.5 south.
Seasons
8.00 pm
Move the Earth to the
position in its orbit when it is 21 March.
Select a location in the
table.
Then use Calculate daylight hours to add the data to the table.
Repeat this process for each location, then Submit table. Submit table
position in its orbit when it is 21 March.
Select a location in the
table.
Then use Calculate daylight hours to add the data to the table.
Repeat this process for each location, then Submit table. Submit table
That's still not right.
Make sure all the daylight hours are for 21 March. Try again
Make sure all the daylight hours are for 21 March. Try again
That's still not right.
Your incorrect answers have been removed from the table. Try again
Your incorrect answers have been removed from the table. Try again
That still wasn't right.
These are the correct answers. OK
These are the correct answers. OK
Seasons
8.00 pm
Well done.
You've found that the length
of the day on 21 March at all four locations is the same — approximately 12 hours.
You've found that the length
of the day on 21 March at all four locations is the same — approximately 12 hours.
Seasons
12.00 am
Why do you think the
daylight hours are the same? Days are approximately 12 hours long all over the world, all the time. Days are approximately 12 hours long only at these four places. On 21 March, the whole world has approximately 12 hours of daylight. Submit
daylight hours are the same? Days are approximately 12 hours long all over the world, all the time. Days are approximately 12 hours long only at these four places. On 21 March, the whole world has approximately 12 hours of daylight. Submit
That's not it.
Use Back to explore the hours of daylight in different places and on different dates. Try again
Use Back to explore the hours of daylight in different places and on different dates. Try again
That's still not right.
On this date, all locations on the Earth have approximately
12 hours of daylight. Try again
On this date, all locations on the Earth have approximately
12 hours of daylight. Try again
Seasons
6.30 pm
Wanganui
Cairns
Kisumu
Mawson
W
N
E
S
Correct!
On 21 March, all locations on the Earth experience approximately 12 hours of daylight.
On 21 March, all locations on the Earth experience approximately 12 hours of daylight.
Seasons
Look at the Earth's axis. Compared to the plane of the Earth's orbit, it is tilted.
Use the diagrams to find out
if, on 21 March, the Earth's axis is: Tilted towards the Sun Tilted away from the Sun Neither tilted towards nor away from the Sun Submit
Use the diagrams to find out
if, on 21 March, the Earth's axis is: Tilted towards the Sun Tilted away from the Sun Neither tilted towards nor away from the Sun Submit
That's not it.
Compare the tilt of the Earth's
axis in relationship to the Sun on 21 March with its tilt on other dates.
Here's a hint: try out the different views as the Earth orbits the Sun. Try again
Compare the tilt of the Earth's
axis in relationship to the Sun on 21 March with its tilt on other dates.
Here's a hint: try out the different views as the Earth orbits the Sun. Try again
That's still not right.
The tilt of the Earth's axis is neither towards nor away from
the Sun when the Earth is in this position of its orbit. Try again
The tilt of the Earth's axis is neither towards nor away from
the Sun when the Earth is in this position of its orbit. Try again
Seasons
Correct!
The tilt of the Earth's axis is neither towards nor away from the Sun on 21 March.
The tilt of the Earth's axis is neither towards nor away from the Sun on 21 March.
Seasons
In this position, the tilt of
the Earth's axis is neither towards nor away from the Sun.
So all locations receive light from the Sun for half of the
24 hours it takes the Earth to rotate around its axis.
the Earth's axis is neither towards nor away from the Sun.
So all locations receive light from the Sun for half of the
24 hours it takes the Earth to rotate around its axis.
Seasons
12.00 am
Now the Earth is in the position of its orbit on
21 June.
Do you think these four locations will have the same daylight hours on 21 June?
Select a location in the
table, then use Calculate daylight hours to add the
data to the table.
Repeat this process for each location, then select
Submit table. Submit table
21 June.
Do you think these four locations will have the same daylight hours on 21 June?
Select a location in the
table, then use Calculate daylight hours to add the
data to the table.
Repeat this process for each location, then select
Submit table. Submit table
That's not it.
Make sure all the daylight hours
are for 21 June. Try again
Make sure all the daylight hours
are for 21 June. Try again
That's still not right.
Your incorrect answers have been removed from the table. Try again
Your incorrect answers have been removed from the table. Try again
That still wasn't right.
These are the correct answers. OK
These are the correct answers. OK
Seasons
8.00 pm
Kisumu has approximately
12 hours of daylight, but all the other day lengths are different.
This is because the daylight hours depend on the latitude of the location: Only on 21 June At most times during the year Every day of the year Submit
12 hours of daylight, but all the other day lengths are different.
This is because the daylight hours depend on the latitude of the location: Only on 21 June At most times during the year Every day of the year Submit
That's not it.
Use Back to explore the hours of daylight in different places and on different dates. Try again
Use Back to explore the hours of daylight in different places and on different dates. Try again
That's still not right.
The length of the day depends on the latitude of the location at
most times of the year. Try again
The length of the day depends on the latitude of the location at
most times of the year. Try again
Seasons
8.00 pm
Wanganui
Cairns
Kisumu
Mawson
W
N
E
S
Correct!
At most times of the year, the length of the day depends on the latitude of the location. However, you've already found that this isn't the case on 21 March.
At most times of the year, the length of the day depends on the latitude of the location. However, you've already found that this isn't the case on 21 March.
Seasons
8.00 pm
Wanganui
Cairns
Kisumu
Mawson
W
N
E
S
Look at the Earth's axis
again.
On 21 June, which
hemisphere is tilted towards the Sun? The southern hemisphere The northern hemisphere Neither hemisphere Submit
again.
On 21 June, which
hemisphere is tilted towards the Sun? The southern hemisphere The northern hemisphere Neither hemisphere Submit
That's not it.
Which polar region seems to be getting more sunlight? Try again
Which polar region seems to be getting more sunlight? Try again
That's still not right.
Because of the tilt of the Earth's axis, the northern hemisphere is tilted towards the Sun. Try again
Because of the tilt of the Earth's axis, the northern hemisphere is tilted towards the Sun. Try again
Seasons
8.00 pm
Wanganui
Cairns
Kisumu
Mawson
W
N
E
S
Correct!
Because of the tilt of the Earth's axis, the northern hemisphere is tilted towards the Sun on 21 June.
This means that the southern hemisphere is tilted away from the Sun, so it doesn't receive as much daylight as on 21 March.
Because of the tilt of the Earth's axis, the northern hemisphere is tilted towards the Sun on 21 June.
This means that the southern hemisphere is tilted away from the Sun, so it doesn't receive as much daylight as on 21 March.
Seasons
Look at the globe and the table. Which of these statements is correct for places in the southern hemisphere on 21 June?
The further away a place is from the equator, the less light it receives.
The further away a place is from the equator, the more light it receives.
All places in the southern hemisphere receive the same amount of light.
Submit
That's not it.
Does the southern polar region appear to be getting much sunlight? Try again
Does the southern polar region appear to be getting much sunlight? Try again
That's still not right.
In the southern hemisphere in June, the further away a place is from the equator, the less light it receives. Try again
In the southern hemisphere in June, the further away a place is from the equator, the less light it receives. Try again
Seasons
Correct!
In the southern hemisphere at this time of year, places near the equator (low latitudes) receive the most light as the Earth rotates on its tilted axis.
Places at very high latitudes, such as the Mawson Antarctic Base, receive no light.
In the southern hemisphere at this time of year, places near the equator (low latitudes) receive the most light as the Earth rotates on its tilted axis.
Places at very high latitudes, such as the Mawson Antarctic Base, receive no light.
Seasons
8.00 pm
Wanganui
Cairns
Kisumu
Mawson
W
N
E
S
On 21 June, places in the southern hemisphere experience their shortest day of the year. The shorter days at this time of year mean
that the Sun has less time to heat the southern parts of
the Earth.
This is one reason why it is colder during winter.
But the main reason is that, where it's winter, the Sun's
rays hit the planet at a
shallow angle. This means their energy is spread more thinly over a larger area, and the temperature is lower.
that the Sun has less time to heat the southern parts of
the Earth.
This is one reason why it is colder during winter.
But the main reason is that, where it's winter, the Sun's
rays hit the planet at a
shallow angle. This means their energy is spread more thinly over a larger area, and the temperature is lower.
Seasons
12.00 am
Find the position in the
Earth's orbit where places in the southern hemisphere experience their longest day
of the year and complete the table for that date. Submit table
Earth's orbit where places in the southern hemisphere experience their longest day
of the year and complete the table for that date. Submit table
That's not it.
Make sure all the day lengths are for 21 December. Try again
Make sure all the day lengths are for 21 December. Try again
That's still not right.
Your incorrect answers have been removed from the table. Try again
Your incorrect answers have been removed from the table. Try again
That still wasn't right.
These are the correct answers. OK
These are the correct answers. OK
Seasons
8.00 pm
Wanganui
Cairns
Kisumu
Mawson
W
N
E
S
Good work.
On 21 December, places in
the southern hemisphere experience their longest day
of the year.
On 21 December, places in
the southern hemisphere experience their longest day
of the year.
Seasons
11.00 pm
Wanganui
Cairns
Kisumu
Mawson
W
N
E
S
Look at the Earth's axis. On
21 December, which hemisphere is tilted towards the Sun? The southern hemisphere The northern hemisphere Neither hemisphere Submit
21 December, which hemisphere is tilted towards the Sun? The southern hemisphere The northern hemisphere Neither hemisphere Submit
That's not it.
Which polar region seems to be getting more sunlight? Try again
Which polar region seems to be getting more sunlight? Try again
That's still not right.
Because of the tilt of the Earth's axis, the southern hemisphere is tilted towards the Sun on this
date. Try again
Because of the tilt of the Earth's axis, the southern hemisphere is tilted towards the Sun on this
date. Try again
Seasons
8.00 pm
Wanganui
Cairns
Kisumu
Mawson
W
N
E
S
Correct!
Because of the tilt of the Earth's axis, in December the southern hemisphere is tilted towards the Sun.
This means it is summer,
when locations in the
southern hemisphere receive their maximum amount of daylight.
Because of the tilt of the Earth's axis, in December the southern hemisphere is tilted towards the Sun.
This means it is summer,
when locations in the
southern hemisphere receive their maximum amount of daylight.
Seasons
11.00 pm
Look at the globe and the table. Which of these statements is correct for places in the southern hemisphere on 21 December?
The further away a place is from the equator, the less light it receives.
The further away a place is from the equator, the more light it receives.
All places in the southern hemisphere receive the same amount of light.
Submit
That's not it.
How much sunlight does the southern polar region seem to be getting? Try again
How much sunlight does the southern polar region seem to be getting? Try again
That's still incorrect.
The further away a place in the southern hemisphere is from the equator, the more light it
receives on 21 December. Try again
The further away a place in the southern hemisphere is from the equator, the more light it
receives on 21 December. Try again
Seasons
8.00 pm
Wanganui
Cairns
Kisumu
Mawson
W
N
E
S
Correct!
At this time of year, places in the southern hemisphere
with very high latitudes, such as the Mawson Antarctic
Base, receive 24 hours of daylight as the Earth rotates on its tilted axis.
Places near the equator receive slightly more than
12 hours.
At this time of year, places in the southern hemisphere
with very high latitudes, such as the Mawson Antarctic
Base, receive 24 hours of daylight as the Earth rotates on its tilted axis.
Places near the equator receive slightly more than
12 hours.
Seasons
12.00 am
Now complete the table for each location on
21 September. Submit table
21 September. Submit table
That's not it.
Make sure all the day lengths are for 21 September. Try again
Make sure all the day lengths are for 21 September. Try again
That's still not it.
The incorrect answers have been removed from the table. Try again
The incorrect answers have been removed from the table. Try again
That still wasn't right.
These are the correct answers. OK
These are the correct answers. OK
Seasons
12.00 am
Wanganui
Cairns
Kisumu
Mawson
W
N
E
S
Good work.
You've found another date (21 September) when the length of the day at all four locations is the same.
You've found another date (21 September) when the length of the day at all four locations is the same.
Seasons
On 21 September, which hemisphere is tilted towards the Sun?
The southern hemisphere
The northern hemisphere
Neither hemisphere
Submit
That's not it.
Does one polar region appear to be getting more sunlight than the other? Try again
Does one polar region appear to be getting more sunlight than the other? Try again
That's still not it.
Neither hemisphere is tilted towards the Sun on 21 September. Try again
Neither hemisphere is tilted towards the Sun on 21 September. Try again
Seasons
Correct!
Just like on 21 March, neither hemisphere is tilted towards the Sun on this date, so all locations receive light for half of the 24 hours it takes the Earth to rotate around its axis.
Just like on 21 March, neither hemisphere is tilted towards the Sun on this date, so all locations receive light for half of the 24 hours it takes the Earth to rotate around its axis.
Seasons
Choose all the correct statements from the list below. There may
be more than one. The change in daylight hours throughout the year is caused by the tilt of the Earth's axis. The change in day length throughout the year is caused by how far the Earth is from the Sun. The further away a location is from the equator, the smaller the difference between the longest and shortest days of the year. The further away a location is from the equator, the bigger the difference between the longest and shortest days of the year. Places on the equator have days that are approximately 12 hours long all year round. Submit
be more than one. The change in daylight hours throughout the year is caused by the tilt of the Earth's axis. The change in day length throughout the year is caused by how far the Earth is from the Sun. The further away a location is from the equator, the smaller the difference between the longest and shortest days of the year. The further away a location is from the equator, the bigger the difference between the longest and shortest days of the year. Places on the equator have days that are approximately 12 hours long all year round. Submit
You have not selected all the correct statements.
Try again