The Reason for the Seasons

In the UK we have four seasons:
Spring - March to May Summer - June to August Autumn - September to November Winter - December to February
The Reason for the Seasons ¦Solstice ¦Equinox
The Reason for the Seasons
We have seasons because the earth is tilted as it makes its yearly journey around the sun.
The tilt of the Earth‘s AXIS is the most important reason why seasons occur.
For some of the year the northern part of the earth is closer to the sun than it is is at other times.
Because of the tilt, the Earth will lean towards the Sun (Summer) or lean away from the Sun (Winter) 6 months later. In between these, Spring and Autumn will occur.
Important Facts
The Earth revolves around the Sun.
The North pole always points the same way as the Earth revolves around the Sun.

The UK is closer to the sun


The UK is further away
The UK and other countries in the Northern Hemisphere have Summer.
Southern Hemisphere countries have Winter.
The Sun
It is winter in the UK and other for other countries in the Northern Hemisphere.
Southern Hemisphere has Summer.
Click here to see an animation of the Earth going around the Sun Excelent!
The three reasons why we have Seasons
Tilt Revolution - The Earth revolves around the Sun. The North Pole always POINTS in the Same Direction
Summer Solstice and Winter Solstice
"Solstice" is derived from two Latin words: "sol" meaning sun, and "sistere," to cause to stand still.
What is the Summer Solstice?
The summer solstice is the first day of summer (about the 21st June) and the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere when the North Pole is leaning more directly toward the sun than it does on any other day. (In the southern hemisphere, the summer solstice is celebrated in December)
What is the Winter Solstice? The winter solstice (20th/21st December) is the first day of winter and the shortest day of the year. The winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere occurs when the North Pole is leaning away from the sun. (In the southern hemisphere, the winter solstice is celebrated in June) Why are our winters cold?
When the North Pole is pointing away from the sun, the Northern Hemisphere receives only indirect sunlight. What are the Equinoxes?
When the North Pole is pointing neither directly toward nor directly away from the sun the days are marked by equal periods of light and darkness.
The Autumn Equinox (20th/21st September) is the first day of autumn and occurs when the North Pole begins to lean away from the sun.
The Spring Equinox (20th /21st March ) is the first day of spring and occurs when the North Pole begins to lean toward the sun again.
NASA Kids – Earth‘s Seasons
An excellent video for children describing why the Earth has seasons
Why do we have Day and Night?  
Phases of the Moon
What will the moon look like tonight?