Astronomy/Earth's tilt

Advertisement

Expert: - 1/26/2008


Question
If Earth's tilt increased from 23.5 degrees to 33.5 degrees, what would the result be?

Answer
Hi Carrie,
Believe it our not, these hypothetical astronomy questions
are virtually worthless.....tell your instructor, rather than the
stupid WHAT IF? questions, you'd like to, instead,  learn some REAL astronomy, like Jupiter's distance, Jupiter's diameter, it's moons, it's composition, etc. and all the other planets too!

First, the Earth's axial tilt is not going to change or increase
any amount, by any mechanism.  We are like a spinning
gyroscope, locked in at the current tilt.
But if the Earth's axis was at 33.5 degrees from the vertical,
then our summers and winters would be more severe, as
the sun would be higher in the sky (thus more direct rays)
during the May - August timeframe, and the sun would
be lower for the N. Hemisphere during the November to
February timeframe.  Spring and Autumn would not be
much different, and all this would probably not be life-
threatening as we'd adapt.
Hope all this helps,
Clear Skies,
Tom Whiting
Erie PA

Astronomy

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Tom Whiting

Expertise

Astronomy has been my hobby/pasttime for over 50 years.  Currently own 3 telescopes, the largest of which is a 30 inch Newtonian truss Dob that is portable.I taught Astronomy/Meteorology at the University Level for 13 years before retiring in 1995. Being retired and home most of the time, I am able to answer all questions relatively quickly, unless it's a new moon weekend with good observing conditions.  No astrology questions please, or questions about alleged UFO picture identifications.

Experience

Experience: Astronomy has been my hobby and study for over 50 years. We currently now own a 30 inch portable telescope (Updated - Pennsylvania`s largest portable telescope). It can be seen on our website at:http://www.velocity.net/~bwhiting and also attend several regional starparties during the year, and have been on 5 total solar eclipse expeditions.

Organizations: President, Erie County Mobile Observers Group for over 15 years.

Publications: Wrote the "Over Erie Skies" newspaper article in our local newspaper for 11 years (1975-86).

Education: Masters Degree- Taught at the University level for 13 years. Retired 20 years -USAF Pilot - KC-135 with 180 combat missions;  Also Eagle Scout, Philmont staff 2 Yrs, Order of Arrow Lodge Chief, Ham Radio (inactive).

Awards: two discoveries: The mini-coathanger asterism in Ursa Minor (the little dipper) And the mini-ladle- another asterism in the bowl of Ursa Minor. Clients: Currently President of the ECMOG as mentioned above.

Education/Credentials
BS  Metallurgical Engineering Grove City College, PAMaster's Degree, Gannon University, Erie, PA Also retired USAF pilot, 20 years.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.