Your friend tells you that it is hotter in the summer than i

Your friend tells you that it is hotter in the summer than in the winter because the Earth is closer to the Sun in the summer. Based on what you have learned in Astronomy about seasons and about the scientific method, how would you go about trying to get him to understand his misconception and develop the correct concept for seasons?

Solution

Earth is hottest when it is furthest from the Sun on its orbit, not when it is closest and during the period when the Earth is furthest from the sun (aphelion), the average temperature of the entire planet is about 4°F (2.3°C) higher than when it is closest to the sun (perihelion). On average, the intensity of sunlight falling on Earth during aphelion is about 7% less than during perihelion. Despite this, the Earth ends up being warmer during the period in which it is furthest away from the sun and there is a lot more land in the Northern Hemisphere than the Southern Hemisphere; this land heats up much faster than water and water cools down much slower than land. So even though there is less intensity of sunlight during the summer in the Northern Hemisphere, the Earth’s average temperature is higher at this time when it’s furthest from the sun

During the summer, the sun\'s rays hit the Earth at a steep angle. The light does not spread out as much, thus increasing the amount of energy hitting any given spot. Also, the long daylight hours allow the Earth plenty of time to reach warm temperatures and during the winter, the sun\'s rays hit the Earth at a shallow angle. These rays are more spread out, which minimizes the amount of energy that hits any given spot. Also, the long nights and short days prevent the Earth from warming up. Thus, we have winter