INTERACTIVE ASTRONOMY: Earth Seasons, solstice & equinox

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THE SEASONS arise because the Earth is tilted on its axis with respect to its orbital plane (translucent red disk) around the Sun. Consequently, the northern and southern hemispheres receive different amounts of sunlight throughout the year. You can interact with this game and watch how the northern and southern hemispheres receive different levels of light throughout the year. You can click and hold down the rotate Earth button and watch the Earth orbit the sun or you can click on the four season buttons to jump to:

• SUMMER solstice: Northern mid summer day: the northern hemisphere points maximally to the sun
• AUTUMN equinox: equal nights (night lasts as long as day)
• WINTER solstice: Northern mid winter day: the northern hemisphere points minimally to the sun
• VERNAL equinox: Spring equinox: equal nights (night lasts as long as day)

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