Obliquity (Axial Tilt)

Axial Tilt is the degree of the Earth’s axis in relation to its plane of orbit around the sun. Oscillations in the degree of tilt range from 21.5° to 24.5° and occur on a 41,000 year cycle. Remember that the tilt of the Earth affects the angle of solar radiation specific locations receive. The Earth’s tilt is currently 23.5°, which accounts for our seasons. During periods of less tilt, seasons were weaker, but there was a bigger difference in climate between the equatorial and polar regions.