a diagram explaining the cause of the season shows the earth and its orbit around the Sun what is the main factor in how the changing seasons occur

The main factor in how the changing seasons occur is the tilt of the Earth's axis.

The Earth's axis is an imaginary line around which the planet rotates. It is tilted at an angle of approximately 23.5 degrees relative to its orbital plane. This tilt remains fixed as the Earth orbits around the Sun.

As the Earth goes around the Sun, different parts of the planet receive varying amounts of sunlight at different times of the year. This variation in sunlight is what causes the seasons.

During summer, one hemisphere of the Earth (either the Northern or Southern Hemisphere) is tilted towards the Sun. This means that sunlight hits that hemisphere more directly, resulting in longer days and higher temperatures. In contrast, the other hemisphere experiences winter because it is tilted away from the Sun, receiving less direct sunlight, shorter days, and lower temperatures.

During spring and autumn, the Earth is positioned in a way that neither hemisphere is tilted towards or away from the Sun. This means that sunlight is distributed more equally between the two hemispheres, leading to milder temperatures and more moderate day lengths.

The Earth's rotation on its axis remains the same throughout the year, completing one full rotation each day. However, the tilt and the position of the Earth during its orbit around the Sun cause the changing seasons.