Why is it summer when Earth is furthest from the Sun?

In early July, Earth is about 5 million km further from the Sun than in early January, yet July is summer in the UK. So distance can’t be what makes the seasons. Earth’s axis is tilted by about 23.5°. Drag the day slider: when the northern half leans towards the Sun, its days are long and the Sun climbs high in the sky. What season is it in South Africa then?

Asked by calcali

1 answer