The Earth's tilt remains constant at approximately 23.5 degrees throughout its orbit around the Sun, resulting in the changing seasons experienced in different hemispheres throughout the year.The correct answer is Option C. The Earth is always tilted 23.5 degrees.
The Earth's tilt, also known as its axial tilt or obliquity, refers to the angle between its axis of rotation and its orbital plane around the Sun. This tilt remains constant throughout the Earth's orbit, resulting in the changing seasons.
Here's a step-by-step explanation of why option C is correct:
1. The Earth's axis of rotation is an imaginary line that passes through the North and South Poles. It is tilted at an angle of approximately 23.5 degrees with respect to the plane of its orbit.
2. As the Earth orbits the Sun, this tilt remains fixed, meaning it does not change throughout the year. This is a fundamental characteristic of Earth's axial tilt.
3. The tilt of the Earth is responsible for the changing seasons. When a hemisphere (either Northern or Southern) is tilted towards the Sun, it experiences summer. Conversely, when a hemisphere is tilted away from the Sun, it experiences winter.
4. The equinoxes occur when neither hemisphere is tilted towards or away from the Sun, resulting in equal day and night lengths. This happens twice a year, around March 20th (spring equinox) and September 22nd (autumn equinox).
5. It's important to note that the specific angle of 23.5 degrees is an average value. The Earth's axial tilt actually oscillates between approximately 22.1 and 24.5 degrees over a period of about 41,000 years, a phenomenon known as axial precession. However, this variation occurs over long timescales and does not affect the statement that the Earth is always tilted at approximately 23.5 degrees.
Therefore, the Earth's tilt remains constant at approximately 23.5 degrees throughout its orbit around the Sun. This tilt is responsible for the changing seasons experienced in different hemispheres throughout the year.