Which statement best describes the seasons?

• A. They result from Earth's distance from the Sun changing seasonally
• B. They result from Earth's tilt and orbit around the Sun affecting sunlight distribution
• C. They are caused by changes in the Moon's orbit
• D. They are caused by adjustments in Earth's magnetic field

Answer: (B)

Seasons come from the tilt of Earth’s axis relative to its orbit around the Sun. That tilt means the Sun’s rays strike different parts of the planet at different angles and for different lengths of time throughout the year. When a hemisphere tilts toward the Sun, sunlight hits more directly and days are longer, producing summer. When it tilts away, sunlight is more oblique and days are shorter, producing winter. The slight change in distance to the Sun over the year exists, but it’s not the main cause; the tilt and resulting sunlight distribution drive the seasonal cycle. The northern and southern hemispheres experience opposite seasons at any given time. The Moon’s orbit and changes in Earth’s magnetic field don’t create seasons.