Purchase Solution

Earth Axis

Not what you're looking for?

Ask Custom Question

How would the seasons be affected if the Earth's axis were not inclined 23 1/2 degrees from the plane of the ecliptic, but were
instead perpendicular to that orbital plane?

Purchase this Solution

Solution Summary

This solution provides the answer to the question: How would the seasons be affected if the Earth's axis were not inclined 23 1/2 degrees from the plane of the ecliptic, but were instead perpendicular to that orbital plane? Supplemented with a highly informative article on the earth's orbits which extends this response.

Solution Preview

Please see response attached, and supporting document as well. Good luck with your continued studies and take care.

---------------------------

SAME AS RESPONSE ATTACHED

1. How would the seasons be affected if the Earth's axis were not inclined 23 1/2 degrees from the plane of the ecliptic, but were instead perpendicular to that orbital plane?

We have all been taught that the seasons are caused by the tilt of the Earth's axis of rotation - the 23.4° offset of the axis from a direction perpendicular to the Earth's orbital plane. The direction of the rotational axis stays nearly fixed in space, even as the Earth revolves around the Sun once each year. As a result, when the Earth is at a certain place in its orbit, the northern hemisphere is tilted toward the Sun and experiences summer. Six months later, when the Earth is on the opposite side of the Sun, the northern hemisphere is tilted away from the Sun and experiences winter. The seasons are, of course, reversed for the southern hemisphere. The solstices mark the two dates during the year on which the Earth's position in its orbit ...

Purchase this Solution


Free BrainMass Quizzes
Variables in Science Experiments

How well do you understand variables? Test your knowledge of independent (manipulated), dependent (responding), and controlled variables with this 10 question quiz.

The Moon

Test your knowledge of moon phases and movement.

Intro to the Physics Waves

Some short-answer questions involving the basic vocabulary of string, sound, and water waves.

Introduction to Nanotechnology/Nanomaterials

This quiz is for any area of science. Test yourself to see what knowledge of nanotechnology you have. This content will also make you familiar with basic concepts of nanotechnology.

Classical Mechanics

This quiz is designed to test and improve your knowledge on Classical Mechanics.