Earth/Sun Relationships

1. Earth/Sun Relationships Geography Lesson 2

2. Earth and the Sun • Energy • Most of Earth’s energy came ultimately from the Sun. • Solar energy • Rotation • Earth spins in space as it circles the Sun. • Each spin is called a rotation and lasts for about 24 hours. • Earth rotates in a west to east direction causing the Sun to appear to rise in the east and set in the west.

3. Revolution • Each time Earth circles the Sun is a revolution. • It takes about 364.25 days for Earth to revolve once around the Sun, or one year. • Tilt • Earth is slightly tilted, about 24.5 degrees. • This affects the length of day light Earth receives and also causes the seasons.

4. Seasons in the northern Hemisphere

5. Solar Energy and latitude • Earth’s Tilt • Because Earth is tilted, the Sun’s rays do not strike Earth with the same intensity from one pole to another. • The north and south poles receive light at angles while the area around the equator receives light directly. • Tropics • Areas around the equator that are warm year round.

6. Temperate zones • Areas between the equator and the poles whose seasons vary with the Earth’s position to the Sun. • Polar/Arctic zones • Areas around the poles that receive the least amount of direct sun light and remain cold year round.

7. Polar, Temperate, Tropic Zones