The changing of seasons is a topic that has fascinated people for centuries, with many believing that a groundhog’s predictions were the ultimate determiner of when spring would arrive. However, as Jasmine and Chrissy from NIU STEAM explain on their radio show, The Sound of Science on WNIJ, the Earth’s position in space within its orbit around the Sun is what ultimately dictates the seasons.
The Earth’s tilt at an angle of approximately 23.5 degrees is what determines whether a hemisphere is experiencing summer or winter. When a hemisphere is tilted towards the Sun, it is summer, and when tilted away from the Sun, it is winter. The angle at which the Sun’s rays strike the Earth’s surface also affects the amount of daylight we see on any given day.
On March 20th, the Vernal Equinox marks the official start of spring. This is when the Earth’s axis is neither tilted towards nor away from the Sun, resulting in equal amounts of daylight and night. This event is recognized globally as the beginning of spring, although the meteorological effects of spring may vary based on climate and regional geography.
Jasmine and Chrissy take their listeners on a journey through space and time to explore how astronomy impacts our daily lives, including how it determines when seasons change and how weather patterns develop. Their engaging style makes science accessible to everyone who tunes in to their show.
Overall, The Sound of Science on WNIJ educates listeners on various scientific topics and encourages curiosity about our world. With each episode filled with fascinating facts and expert insights, listeners can gain a better understanding of how science shapes our lives every day.