Earth rotates on an axial tilt of 23.5 degrees. Rotation causes day and night on Earth. The Earth revolves around the sun every 365 1/4 days. This is an Earth year. Since the Earth is tilted, it receives unequal amounts of sunlight in both hemispheres. There is an imaginary line that cuts through the Earth, it is known as the equator. As you move towards the equator, the temperature rises, and as you move away from the equator towards the poles, the temperature decreases. Latitude is used to determine the regions of Earth. The three main regions are the tropics, the poles, and the temperate areas. The seasons are caused by the unequal heating of Earth's surface. Solstices are used to mark the beginning of summer and winter, while equinoxes are used to mark the start of either spring or autumn. The Vernal Equinox (March 20th) signifies the start of spring, while the Autumnal Equinox (September 23rd) signifies the start of autumn.
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SolsticesSolstices signify the start of either winter or summer. The length of either day or night will depend on the season and hemisphere.
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EquinoxesEquinoxes signify the start of either spring or autumn. On this day, both day and night are the same length in duration.
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HemispheresThe Earth is divided into two hemispheres, North and South. Latitude lines are used to show the regions of Earth.
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