Animation Shows Changing Seasons As the Earth Orbits the Sun
The animation created by Eleanor Lutz in 2019 illustrates the seasonal changes on Earth due to its orbit around the sun and its axial tilt. Earth s tilt of 23.4 degrees relative to the sun s plane results in varying sunlight exposure throughout the year, leading to distinct seasons in different hemispheres. The northern hemisphere experiences summer when tilted towards the sun in June, while the southern hemisphere experiences winter. Conversely, in December, the northern hemisphere tilts away from the sun, leading to winter, and the southern hemisphere enjoys summer. The tilt also affects daylight hours, with the shortest days occurring during each hemisphere s winter. This phenomenon is most extreme at the poles, where the sun remains below the horizon for extended periods. Near the equator, the seasons are less pronounced, with nearly equal daylight hours throughout the year due to the sun striking at a consistent angle. The Earth s axial tilt has remained relatively stable over long time scales, but it is slowly decreasing. This subtle change in tilt contributes to the gradual shifts in seasonal patterns over tens of thousands of years. The animation showcases the impact of seasonal changes on Earth s ice, vegetation, cloud cover, and sunlight. It highlights the interplay between Earth s orbit, axial tilt, and the sun in creating solstices, equinoxes, and the distinct seasons experienced across the globe. Lutz s work combines science and art, utilizing open-source data from NASA, USGS, and Natural Earth to create visually appealing astronomy maps. Her interest in applying coding to design work led to the creation of this informative animation, which helps viewers understand the complex relationship between Earth s tilt, orbit, and the resulting seasonal variations. This story was originally published on December 21, 2022, and most recently updated on September 20, 2024.
Source: businessinsider.comPublished on 2024-09-20
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