Astronomy Practice Exam 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The tilt of the Earth's axis primarily influences various aspects of our planet's climate and environment, most notably the change of seasons, the variation in temperatures throughout the year, and the length of daylight hours across different times of the year.

Specifically, the axial tilt of approximately 23.5 degrees leads to the seasonal changes we experience because it affects the angle and intensity of sunlight that different parts of the Earth receive. During summer months, one hemisphere tilts towards the Sun, receiving more direct sunlight and longer days, while the opposite hemisphere experiences winter with shorter days and less direct sunlight.

On the other hand, the orbit of the Moon around the Earth is primarily determined by gravitational forces rather than the angle of Earth's tilt. The Moon's orbit is influenced by its gravitational attraction to the Earth and the overall dynamics of the Earth-Moon system, which remain unchanged regardless of the axial tilt. Thus, the tilt of Earth's axis does not influence the gravitational interactions that dictate the Moon's orbital path.