Earth's Orbit and Daylight
Ever wondered why the Sun "rises" and "sets" at different times? And why the days are longer in Summer? Watch this animation carefully and you will discover why:
Three Big Ideas
Rotation (Spinning)
The Earth spins like a top. It takes 24 hours (one day) for one full spin.
- The side facing the Sun has daytime
- The side facing away from the Sun has nighttime
Revolution (Orbiting)
While spinning, the Earth also travels in a giant path (an orbit) around the Sun. This trip takes about 365.24 days (one year).
The Tilt (The Secret to the Seasons!)
The Earth doesn't stand straight up and down. It tilts at an angle of about 23.5°.
As it orbits the Sun this tilt stays pointed in the same direction in space. This means:
- When our part of the Earth is tilted toward the Sun, we get more direct sunlight and longer days (Summer)
- When our part of the Earth is tilted away from the Sun, we get less direct sunlight and shorter days (Winter)
It's Not About Distance
Many people think summer happens because we get closer to the Sun ... but that's not true.
It is the tilt that makes days longer and warmer.
Time Zones
Now have a look at our World Time Zones page, and you will see what the current situation is.