Final answer:
The seasons are not caused by Earth's distance from the Sun but by its 23.5-degree axial tilt, leading to varying angles of sunlight throughout the year. The equator experiences consistent warm temperatures due to direct sunlight, while the poles are colder due to the sharp angle of sunlight causing more reflection of solar energy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The incorrect idea that the seasons are caused by the Earth's varying distance from the Sun is a common misconception. In reality, the Earth's orbit around the Sun does vary by about 3%, but this is not sufficient to cause significant variations in temperature. The true reason for the changing seasons lies in the tilt of Earth's axis, which is 23.5 degrees. This tilt causes different regions of Earth to receive varying amounts of direct sunlight throughout the year. For instance, during June, the Northern Hemisphere is tilted toward the Sun, leading to more direct sunlight and warmer temperatures, while the Southern Hemisphere is tilted away and experiences winter. Conversely, in December, the situation reverses, with the Southern Hemisphere receiving more direct sunlight.
Additionally, proximity to the Sun is not the sole factor determining temperature variations. The North and South Poles are cold while the equator is warm not because of distance from the Sun, but because of the angle of the sunlight. At the poles, sunlight strikes the Earth at a sharper angle, which leads to more reflection and less absorption, thus cooler temperatures. At the equator, the sunlight is more direct, leading to warmer conditions.