1. Earth's Tilt: The Earth is tilted on its axis at approximately 23.5 degrees. This tilt remains constant as Earth orbits the Sun.
2. Different Hemispheres: Because of the tilt, different hemispheres of Earth receive varying amounts of direct sunlight throughout the year.
3. Summer Solstice: When a hemisphere is tilted towards the Sun, that hemisphere experiences summer. The Sun's rays hit this hemisphere more directly, resulting in longer days and warmer temperatures.
4. Winter Solstice: When the same hemisphere is tilted away from the Sun, it experiences winter. The Sun's rays hit this hemisphere at a more oblique angle, leading to shorter days and colder temperatures.
5. Equinoxes: Twice a year, during the spring and autumn equinoxes, the Earth's axis is neither tilted towards nor away from the Sun. Both hemispheres receive an equal amount of sunlight, resulting in roughly equal day and night lengths.
In summary: It's not the Sun's distance that causes seasons, but the tilt of Earth's axis, which leads to variations in the amount of direct sunlight different hemispheres receive throughout the year.