Book 7, Question 78 · Video
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!
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What Crafty Clover says in this video
Intro
Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. Why are seasons flipped in the other hemisphere?
The Big Idea
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! The north and south halves of Earth are called hemispheres.
Earth Leans
Step one: Earth leans. Earth is tilted about 23 degrees, and it points the same way all year while it travels around the Sun. So the lean changes who faces the Sun most.
North Tilts In
Step two: one half tilts toward the Sun. In June, the north gets longer days and more direct sunlight, so places like Canada have warm summer weather. Meanwhile, the south gets weaker light.
South Tilts Away
Step three: the other half tilts away. In June, Australia and Chile have short days and low, slanted sunlight, so it is winter there. Six months later, the tilt flips and so do the seasons!
A Closer Look
Let's take a closer look at Earth's two halves! The Sun shines on the whole planet at once. The north leans toward it and gets summer. The south leans away and gets winter. Later, Earth is on the other side of the Sun, and the tilt points the opposite way.
Quick Facts
Quick facts! When it is summer in Canada, it is winter in Australia. In Australia, Christmas falls in summer, so some families go to the beach! Near the equator, the seasons barely change. Seasons come from Earth's tilt, not its distance from the Sun.
Think Like a Scientist
Now, think like a scientist! Ask a grown-up to help you message a friend in another hemisphere. What season is it there today? Is it flipped from yours? Make a guess first! Only chat with people you know.
Outro
Our tilted planet gives half the world summer while the other half has winter. Science is amazing! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!