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Earth/Sun Relationships. Geography Lesson 2. Earth and the Sun. Energy Most of Earth’s energy came ultimately from the Sun. Solar energy Rotation Earth spins in space as it circles the Sun. Each spin is called a rotation and lasts for about 24 hours.
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Earth/Sun Relationships Geography Lesson 2
Earth and the Sun • Energy • Most of Earth’s energy came ultimately from the Sun. • Solar energy • Rotation • Earth spins in space as it circles the Sun. • Each spin is called a rotation and lasts for about 24 hours. • Earth rotates in a west to east direction causing the Sun to appear to rise in the east and set in the west.
Revolution • Each time Earth circles the Sun is a revolution. • It takes about 364.25 days for Earth to revolve once around the Sun, or one year. • Tilt • Earth is slightly tilted, about 24.5 degrees. • This affects the length of day light Earth receives and also causes the seasons.
Solar Energy and latitude • Earth’s Tilt • Because Earth is tilted, the Sun’s rays do not strike Earth with the same intensity from one pole to another. • The north and south poles receive light at angles while the area around the equator receives light directly. • Tropics • Areas around the equator that are warm year round.
Temperate zones • Areas between the equator and the poles whose seasons vary with the Earth’s position to the Sun. • Polar/Arctic zones • Areas around the poles that receive the least amount of direct sun light and remain cold year round.