December 25b – Earth’s Seasons

Are you smarter than a Harvard University graduate? Recently, 23 graduates were asked, “Is the Earth closer to the Sun during the summer?” Only two answered correctly!

In the northern hemisphere during the summer, the Sun is farther away; we are just tilted toward the Sun. During the Earth’s year-long orbit, the Earth-Sun distance varies between 91 and 95 million miles. When the northern hemisphere is having summer, it is actually farthest from the Sun – 95 million miles. The Earth has varying seasons due to its 23.5 degree tilt.

The seasons alternate with each other above and below the equator. On June 21, the northern hemisphere has its first day of summer while the southern hemisphere is beginning winter. Summer vacation for those living in Australia is from December to February. The southern hemisphere is closer to the Sun during its summer, 91 million miles with direct sunrays. Summers “down under” would be more severe except that there is more water in the southern hemisphere than the northern hemisphere. This helps to moderate the seasons. Such details reveals God’s protection over us.

John 3:8

KJV: The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.

NIV: The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.

Reference

From the book “Have You Considered”?

DeYoung, Donald B. 1992. Weather and the Bible. Baker Book House: Grand Rapids, MI p. 40-42.

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