Axis — Science definition
The imaginary line Earth spins around, running through the North and South Poles.
Where it is taught
- Seasons & Earth's Tilt — Earth, Moon & Solar System, Earth & Space Science, Grade 9
In use
Our planet's axis — the imaginary line it spins around, running from pole to pole — isn't straight up and down relative to its orbit; it leans over by about 23.
Seasons & Earth's Tilt
Questions using axis
Problem 1
Does Earth's axis reverse its tilt every six months?
Hints
State what the supplied observations or conditions establish, and separate that from any assumption.
Answer and explanation
No. It maintains approximately the same orientation as Earth orbits, changing which hemisphere tilts toward the Sun.
Problem 2
If Earth's axis had no tilt, the most likely result would be
- no seasonal variation in sunlight at a given latitude
- more extreme seasons
- permanent winter
- no day and night
Answer and explanation
no seasonal variation in sunlight at a given latitude
Each latitude would receive nearly the same sunlight all year.
Problem 3
By how many degrees is Earth's axis tilted, to one decimal place?
Answer and explanation
23.5 degrees
About 23.5° from the perpendicular to its orbital plane.