Earth’s axial tilt (also called obliquity ) is the angle between our planet’s rotational axis and its orbital plane around the Sun.
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🔄 Because as Earth orbits the Sun, the North Pole is sometimes pointed toward the Sun (northern summer) and sometimes away from it (northern winter). The opposite happens for the Southern Hemisphere.
📐 Approximately 23.5 degrees relative to our orbital plane (the ecliptic).
Think of it this way: Earth doesn’t spin perfectly upright like a Ferris wheel. Instead, it leans slightly — like a spinning top that’s been gently pushed.
So next time you enjoy a summer sunset or a snowy winter morning, thank that 23.5° lean. 🌞❄️