Book 7, Question 78
Why Are Seasons Flipped in the Other Hemisphere?
Seasons are flipped because Earth is tilted, like a giant teeter-totter. When the north leans toward the Sun, the south leans away. So one side's summer is the other side's winter!
From the book
Page from A Million Whys Book 7
More fun facts
- In June, the northern polar regions get 24 hours of sunlight while the southern polar regions get 24 hours of night.
- In December, it flips: 24 hours of night in the far north and 24 hours of daylight in the far south.
- The June solstice is the shortest day of the year in the Southern Hemisphere.
- At the equinoxes in March and September, both hemispheres get the same amount of sunlight.
- Equinoxes are marked on calendars twice a year.
Sources: NASA Science, NASA Science
Questions kids ask
Is June summer everywhere?
No. In June it is winter in the Southern Hemisphere.
When do both hemispheres get equal sunlight?
At the equinoxes, in March and September.