eli5: Why do places with colder winters also have longer cold seasons (and the same with summer)

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eli5: Why do places with colder winters also have longer cold seasons (and the same with summer)

In: Earth Science

2 Answers

Anonymous 0 Comments

The earth circles the sun, and is set at an angle on its axis. As it rotates, different parts of the earth get to be closer or further away from the sun.

During winter, that part of the planet is further away from the sun. During summer, that part of the planet is closer to the sun.

Places with long winter months are places that have very limited exposure to the sun due to the angle of the earth. These are places far from the equator. The closer to the equator you get, the more sun, the longer and hotter your summer, the shorter and warmer your winter.

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