Eli5: why is the sun so much brighter and unforgiving in the winter even though it’s so much colder compared to summer?

Question

Eli5: why is the sun so much brighter and unforgiving in the winter even though it’s so much colder compared to summer?

In: Planetary Science

Answer 1

The sun is only very slightly brighter in the northern hemisphere winter. However, there are many less leaves on trees, so more of the sky is unshaded; AND the angle of the Sun is lower, so it causes more glare.