The document discusses how the Earth's tilt and orbit around the sun cause seasons and affect climates. It explains that the equinoxes occur when the sun's position crosses the celestial equator, and solstices are when the sun is at its maximum distance north or south. The tropics and polar circles define different climate zones, with temperate zones in between. The wobbling of the Earth's axis over 26,000 years is also mentioned. Seasons in each hemisphere are opposite, with more direct sunlight in summer causing warmer weather.

1. 8 th Grade Chapter 2 Lesson 4 Pgs. 79-84 For Student Use Only

2. Ecliptic and Climates The sun follows the ecliptic path due to the Earth’s move. Equinox= where the ecliptic sun crosses the celestial equator (2 points) Vernal Equinox- In the Spring (March) Autumnal Equinox- In the Autumn (between Summer and Winter)

3. Ecliptic and Climates Solstices: Solstice: a point on the ecliptic midway between the two equinoxes Summer Solstice- the sun is 23 ½ degrees North of the celestial equator. Winter Solstice- the sun is 23 ½ degrees south of the celestial equator

4. Ecliptic and Climates Climate Zones Torrid Zone: scorched zone- bounded on the North by the Tropic of Cancer and on the South by the Tropic of Capricorn Frigid Zones: experience one day of complete darkness and complete daylight bounded by Artic Circle and Antarctic Circle

5. Ecliptic and Climates Climatic Zones Temperate Zones: Neither very hot or very cold, but sun is never straight overhead Our Earth Wobbles: The wobbling of the Earth is called precession of the equinox. The earth’s axis would take 26,000 years to complete wobble.

6. Ecliptic and Climates Seasons: Tilt of the Earth causes seasons Kepler- 2 nd law of planetary motion says planets travel in elliptic orbits. Closer to the sun we travel faster. The Northern Hemisphere and Southern Hemisphere have opposite seasons.

7. Ecliptic and Climates Seasons The sun can heat the Earth (Northern Hemisphere) better in July instead of in December Summer more direct sunlight hits the earth Winter the sun is less direct

8. Ecliptic and Climates Making the months: The month: This is based on time between new moon and new moon. The Gregorian calendar is the system we now use.

9. Ecliptic and Climates Calendars: Pope Gregory XIII established the new calendar; that we currently use. Hindus, Arabs, and Hebrews all have their own calendars.

10. Ecliptic and Climates Time: Calendars: Year- time it takes for the earth to revolve around the sun Years have been divided into BC and AD Week- not based on a heavenly body God used the week in Creation, people need the day of rest.