Book 7, Question 77
Why Is Summer Hotter than Winter Where You Live?
Summer is hotter because of a tilt! Earth leans as it travels around the Sun. In summer, your part of the world leans toward the Sun, so light hits more directly and days last longer.
From the book
Page from A Million Whys Book 7
More fun facts
- On the summer solstice, the Sun reaches its highest noon position of the year in places outside the tropics.
- In 2024, the Northern Hemisphere's summer solstice fell on June 20.
- Because Earth is round, the Sun heats places near the equator more than places near the poles.
- Earth absorbs an average of about 240 watts of solar power on every square meter over a year.
- Sunlight drives photosynthesis, evaporates water, and melts snow and ice.
Sources: NASA Science, NASA Science
Questions kids ask
When is the summer solstice?
Around June 20 or 21 in the Northern Hemisphere.
What does the Sun's energy do on Earth?
It warms the land and sea, drives evaporation, and helps plants make food.