The correct answer is:
The Northern Hemisphere is tilted away from the Sun.
Explanation:
1. In January, Earth is closest to the Sun in its orbit due to its elliptical shape. This position is known as perihelion.
2. Despite being closest to the Sun, the Northern Hemisphere experiences winter during this time.
3. The phenomenon occurs because the Earth's axis is tilted, causing different parts of the planet to receive varying amounts of sunlight throughout the year.
4. In January, the Northern Hemisphere is tilted away from the Sun, leading to shorter days and less direct sunlight, resulting in winter in that region.
5. This tilt of Earth's axis is the primary reason for the seasonal changes experienced in different hemispheres.
Understanding the tilt of Earth's axis helps explain why the Northern Hemisphere experiences winter even when Earth is closest to the Sun in its orbit.