Which of the four diagrams below most correctly represents Earth’s orbit around the Sun as seen from directly above it?

(Sizes of Sun and Earth not to scale)

What would happen to the seasons if Earth’s orbit were a perfect circle around the Sun so that the distance to the Sun never changed?

a. There would be no seasons

b. The difference between seasons would be MUCH LESS

c. The difference between seasons would be MUCH MORE

d. The seasons would be the same as they are now

What is the weather like in Utah when Earth is closest to the Sun (on about January 4 each year)?

a. Hot

b. Warm

c. Cool

d. Cold

If Earth’s orbit were a perfect circle, on January 4, would Earth be closer to, or farther from the Sun than it is in its current orbit?

a. closer to b. farther from

Earth

So, if Earth’s orbit were a perfect circle, on January 4, the weather in Utah would be _______ than it is now.

a. Warmer

b. Colder

What would happen to the seasons if Earth’s orbit were a perfect circle around the Sun so that the distance to the Sun never changed?

a. There would be no seasons

b. The difference between seasons would be MUCH LESS

c. The difference between seasons would be MUCH MORE

d. The seasons would be the same as they are now

Earth Orbit from the Side

Earth Orbit from Above