During summer, why are days longer and temperatures warmer in that hemisphere?

• A. The hemisphere is tilted away from the Sun, receiving less direct sunlight
• B. The hemisphere is tilted toward the Sun, receiving more direct sunlight and longer days
• C. The Earth's distance from the Sun increases during summer
• D. The Sun's energy output decreases in summer

Answer: (B)

Seasonal warmth and longer days come from the tilt of Earth's axis relative to its orbit around the Sun. When the hemisphere is tilted toward the Sun, sunlight arrives more directly and shines for a longer portion of each day, so the solar energy reaching a given area is greater. That means more energy per unit area (higher insolation) and longer daylight hours, which warms temperatures. The distance to the Sun changes only a little over the year, and the Sun’s overall energy output stays roughly the same, so those factors don’t drive the seasonal change. So tilting toward the Sun explains both the longer days and the warmer temperatures observed in summer.