Consider the following statements:1. Earth is warmer when it is closes...
Understanding Earth's Orbit and Seasons
The statements provided in the question relate to Earth's distance from the Sun and how it affects temperature and seasonal changes. Let's break down each statement:
Statement 1: Earth is warmer when it is closest to the Sun.
- This statement is incorrect.
- While Earth is indeed closest to the Sun during a point known as perihelion (around January 3), the temperature is not primarily determined by this distance.
- The Earth's axial tilt (approximately 23.5 degrees) plays a far more significant role in seasonal temperature variations than proximity to the Sun.
Statement 2: The Northern hemisphere experiences winter when the Earth is closest to the Sun.
- This statement is also incorrect.
- During perihelion, the Northern Hemisphere is experiencing winter, but this is due to the axial tilt rather than the proximity to the Sun.
- The Northern Hemisphere tilts away from the Sun in winter, leading to colder temperatures, regardless of the Earth’s position in its orbit.
Conclusion
- Both statements are inaccurate in explaining the relationship between Earth's distance from the Sun and seasonal temperature variations.
- The correct answer is option 'C': Neither 1 nor 2.
Understanding these concepts is crucial, especially for competitive exams like UPSC, as they assess knowledge of basic astronomy and its implications for Earth's climate.
Consider the following statements:1. Earth is warmer when it is closes...
Both of the given statements are incorrect.
Earth is actually closest to the Sun in early January (during the Northern Hemisphere winter) and farthest from the Sun in early July (during the Northern Hemisphere summer). However, the distance between the Earth and the Sun is not the primary factor determining Earth's temperature.
The Northern Hemisphere experiences winter when it is tilted away from the Sun and receives less direct sunlight, not when the Earth is closest to the Sun.
Therefore, the correct answer is (D) Neither 1 nor 2.