Bringing the Universe to America's Classrooms
(OBS) Illuminating Earth over a Year

Orientation of Earth's Tilt in Orbit

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Seasonal patterns are observed in both hemispheres. Both New York City and Melbourne experience summer and winter, but at opposite times of the year. The data, text, and diagrams of Earth’s orbit on pages 4 through 7 show that the observed seasonal patterns repeat yearly.

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Now consider: How can Earth’s axis help explain the evidence of the observed seasonal patterns?

Click Arrange It to reexamine what Earth looks like as it orbits the Sun. As you complete the diagram, remember when each hemisphere experiences its summer and winter. Also remember what you observed about Earth in the diagrams and the video on page 8.

Earth's orbit diagram
Earth’s orbit is shown from an overhead view. The orbital path appears almost circular, with the Sun near the middle of the orbit. At about July 5, Earth is 94.5 million miles away. At about January 4, Earth is 91.4 million miles away.

Take Notes

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What new information have you learned that has helped you update your evidence?

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Using what you have learned so far, select and place the Earth cards to show how you think Earth’s tilt appears at these four points in orbit.