What Causes | Winter

The Earth orbits the Sun in an elliptical path, which means that the distance between the Earth and the Sun varies throughout the year. However, the amount of solar energy the Earth receives is not the main factor in determining the seasons. The key factor is the tilt of the Earth's axis, which is approximately 23.5 degrees.

Scientists believe Earth’s off-kilter rotation is the result of a massive collision billions of years ago. A planet-sized object, often called , likely struck the young Earth, knocking it onto its tilted axis and simultaneously sending debris into orbit that eventually formed the Moon. what causes winter

The fundamental reason for the seasons is , also known as obliquity. The Earth orbits the Sun in an elliptical

: When a hemisphere is tilted away from the Sun, solar rays hit the surface at a shallower, more oblique angle. This spreads the Sun's energy over a larger area, making the heating less intense. : When a hemisphere is tilted away from

: While Earth's orbit is slightly elliptical, the distance change is too small to cause the drastic seasonal shifts we experience; the axial tilt is the dominant driver. Origin of the Tilt