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WhatTheStar

Sun and Calendar · 1 of 9

Why We Have Seasons

Why are there seasons, if Earth is nearest the Sun in January?

Earth is nearest the Sun in the northern winter. The seasons come from its tilted axis: how high your Sun climbs at noon, and how long it stays up.

You’ll be able to explain why the seasons come from Earth’s tilt and not its distance from the Sun.

6 steps · about 5 min

Where and which day

Working out the Sun’s day from where you are…

Where

Which day

Kept for this guide only, until you change it here — your map settings, and every other guide, stay as they are.

Print, play outside or present
Present on a big screen
Sources
← GUIDES

Settings

Screen

Night mode Turns every page red, to keep your eyes adjusted to the dark.
High contrast Bolder constellation lines, larger and brighter names on the sky, and stronger text and edges everywhere. Starts on if your device asks for more contrast.
Reduce motion The camera cuts to where it is going instead of flying there, and panels and sheets appear without sliding. Starts on if your device asks for less motion.
Battery saver Draws the sky thirty times a second at most: smoothness traded for battery.
Dims the screen below your phone’s lowest setting, down to a fifth, while night mode is on.

Clock and voice

Clock How every time is written. Until you choose, your language’s own clock decides.
D describes What D says about the view on the sky: one sentence, or in full with the field, the constellation and five names.
Sounds Quiet tones as you use the map: a tick as you drag the clock past a mark or dusk, a chime for the star you pick — higher for hotter stars — and a low swell while a figure is out of the dome. Made in your browser, and off until you turn them on.
All settings and your progress

Your view

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