Tilt — Science definition
The 23.5° lean of Earth's axis away from vertical, relative to its orbital plane.
Where it is taught
- Seasons & Earth's Tilt — Earth, Moon & Solar System, Earth & Space Science, Grade 9
In use
And around March 20 and September 22, the equinoxes, Earth's tilt points neither toward nor away from the Sun but sideways to it, so day and night are nearly equal in length almost everywhere on the planet.
Seasons & Earth's Tilt
Questions using tilt
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.