Unraveling the Cosmos: Astronomy’s Role in Shaping Seasons with NIU STEAM on WNIJ

Jasmine and Chrissy from NIU STEAM host The Sound of Science on WNIJ, where they discuss the intricacies of astronomy and how it influences the changing seasons. They explain that contrary to popular belief, a groundhog does not determine the arrival of spring; rather, it is the Earth’s position within its orbit around the Sun that ultimately dictates the seasons.

The Earth’s tilt at an angle of approximately 23.5 degrees plays a crucial role in determining whether a hemisphere is experiencing summer or winter. When the Earth is tilted towards the Sun, it results in summer, and when it is tilted away from the Sun, it leads to winter. Moreover, the angle at which the Sun’s rays strike the Earth’s surface affects the amount of daylight we see on any given day.

On March 20th, we mark the Vernal Equinox – an event where the Earth’s axis is neither tilted towards nor away from the Sun. This leads to equal amounts of daylight and night, making it an official start to spring across globally recognized regions. However, regional geography and climate can still impact meteorological effects during springtime.

The Sound of Science on WNIJ offers listeners valuable insights into various scientific topics, including those related to astronomy and its impact on our environment.