Why Does Summer Get So Warm?
Koko and Owlo discover why summer is warm — exploring Earth's tilt and the angle of sunlight with a fun torch experiment.
About this story
Koko and Owlo discover why summer is warm — exploring Earth's tilt and the angle of sunlight with a fun torch experiment.
What you'll learn
- Earth is tilted as it orbits the sun
- Direct sunlight carries more heat than angled sunlight
- Seasons change as Earth travels around the sun
- Opposite seasons occur on opposite sides of the world
Owlo! Owlo! I have the biggest question today. It has been stuck in my head all morning.
Well, come in, Koko! You look like you ran the whole way here. What is on your mind?
It is so hot outside. Like, really, really hot. Why does summer always feel like the sun is sitting right on top of us?
Oh, that is one of my favourite questions. The answer is all about how our planet moves. Come with me to the science room. I have something to show you.
Perfect. Now, Koko, do you see this big globe here on the table?
Yes! That is a model of Earth. We have one of those at home. I always spin it really fast.
Well, today we are not going to spin it just for fun. We are going to tilt it. Watch closely.
Tilt it? Like it is leaning to one side?
Exactly right. Earth does not stand straight up as it travels around the sun. It is always leaning a little to one side. Scientists call this Earth's tilt.
Wait, the whole planet is leaning? And nobody falls off?
Nobody falls off. Gravity keeps everything in place. Now, here is the important part. Because Earth is tilted, different parts of the planet point more toward the sun at different times of the year.
So when my part of the world points toward the sun, that is when it gets hot?
You are thinking exactly like a scientist, Koko. When your part of Earth is tilted toward the sun, the sun's rays hit the ground more directly. Direct rays carry more heat and energy.
More directly... like the difference between shining a torch straight at your hand versus shining it at an angle?
That is a brilliant way to think about it. Let me grab this torch and we can try it right now.
Hold your hand flat. Now, when I shine the torch straight down at your hand, the light hits a small, bright spot. That small spot is receiving a lot of energy all at once.
Ooh, I can feel it is brighter! And my hand feels warmer too.
Now watch what happens when I angle the torch. The same light spreads out over a bigger area. Less energy lands on any single spot.
So it feels less warm because the heat is spread out more. That is what happens in winter! The sun's rays come in at an angle and spread out, so it feels colder!
Exactly. And in summer, those rays come in more directly. More energy, smaller area, warmer temperatures. That is why summer feels so much hotter.
But Owlo, if Earth is tilted the whole time, why does it change? Why is it not always summer on the same side?
Wonderful question. Because Earth is moving around the sun all year long. As it travels, the tilted side that faces the sun changes. In summer your part of Earth leans toward the sun. In winter your part leans away.
So it is like Earth is slowly nodding toward the sun and then away, over and over, every single year?
I love that image. Yes, a very slow nod, taking a whole year to complete. That is what gives us our four seasons.
This also means that when it is summer where I live, it is actually winter somewhere else in the world. That is so strange to think about.
It is strange and wonderful at the same time. Children on the other side of the planet are putting on their warm coats right now while you are sweating through your fur.
That is wild. I never thought about it that way before.
That is what I love about science, Koko. A question about a hot summer day can lead you all the way to understanding how our whole planet moves through space.
Okay, so let me make sure I have got it all in my head. Can I try to explain it back to you?
Please do. I would love to hear it.
Right. So Earth is tilted as it travels around the sun. In summer, our part of Earth leans toward the sun, and the sun's rays hit us more directly. Direct rays mean more heat in a smaller area, so it feels really warm. In winter, our part leans away, the rays spread out more, and it feels colder. And on the other side of the world, everything is the opposite. So if I am sweating in summer, someone else is building a snowman. Which honestly sounds great right now because I am very hot.
Perfect summary, Koko. And next time you are standing outside in the sun, you will know exactly why it feels so warm. You will be thinking about Earth's tilt and the angle of sunlight like a true scientist.
Maybe next time we can learn about why days are longer in summer too. I noticed it stays light outside for ages and I never want to go to sleep.
Now that is a story for another day. And it connects perfectly to everything you just learned.
