It is now time to complete the Periodic Events Discussion. Later on in this Unit, you will learn how to model events by writing trigonometric functions. For now, do some research on events that are cyclical or periodic. Write a discussion post about one of those events. Be sure to describe the event and the period.
Please be sure to make sure that your submission is at least 3 paragraphs.
When researching events that are cyclical or periodic, one interesting example that stands out is the changing of seasons. The seasonal cycle is a natural phenomenon that occurs due to the Earth's axial tilt and its orbit around the sun. This cyclical event brings about four distinct seasons -- spring, summer, autumn, and winter -- each lasting for approximately three months.
The changing of seasons is primarily caused by the Earth's axial tilt, which is about 23.5 degrees relative to its orbit around the sun. This tilt results in different parts of the Earth receiving varying amounts of sunlight throughout the year. During the summer solstice, which typically occurs around June 21st in the Northern Hemisphere, the tilt of the Earth's axis causes the North Pole to be tilted towards the sun, resulting in longer days and shorter nights. Conversely, during the winter solstice (around December 21st in the Northern Hemisphere), the North Pole is tilted away from the sun, leading to shorter days and longer nights.
The period of the seasonal cycle, known as a tropical year or solar year, measures the time it takes for the Earth to complete one full orbit around the sun and return to the same position. This period lasts approximately 365.24 days, which is why we have leap years every four years to account for the extra time. However, the actual dates when the seasons begin can vary slightly each year due to factors like leap years and fluctuations in the Earth's orbit.
In conclusion, the changing of seasons is a fascinating example of a cyclical event that occurs due to the Earth's axial tilt and its orbit around the sun. This natural phenomenon brings about four distinct seasons, each lasting approximately three months. The period of this cycle, known as a tropical or solar year, measures the time it takes for the Earth to complete one orbit around the sun. It is important to note that while the seasons follow a predictable pattern, the exact dates when they begin can vary slightly from year to year.