By Professor Bubbles your frog scientist who loves watching the sky 🐸🔬
🌅 A Strange Looking Sun
In January you might notice something unusual about the Sun.
It never climbs very high in the sky.
Even at midday it feels low.
Shadows are long.
The light looks soft and pale.
Why does the Sun behave differently in winter
And why is this especially noticeable in January
Let us explore the science behind the low winter Sun.
🌍 The Earth Is Tilted
The most important reason is the tilt of the Earth.
Earth does not stand straight as it moves through space.
It is tilted like a spinning top that leans to one side.
Because of this tilt:
- sometimes your part of Earth leans toward the Sun
- sometimes it leans away from the Sun
In January the Northern Hemisphere is still leaning away from the Sun.
☀️ Sunlight Arrives at a Low Angle
When the Sun is high in the sky its light hits the ground directly.
That brings strong light and warmth.
In January the Sun shines at a low angle.
The light spreads over a larger area and becomes weaker.
That is why:
- days feel colder
- sunlight looks softer
- shadows become longer
The Sun is not weaker
It is just shining from a lower position.
Professor Bubbles says
The winter Sun is shy and stays close to the horizon
🕰️ Why January Still Feels Cold
Even though days slowly get longer after December the Sun is still low.
This means:
- less energy reaches the ground
- snow and ice melt slowly
- the air stays cold
The Earth needs time to warm up again.
That is why January is often colder than December.
🐦 How Nature Reacts to the Low Sun
Animals and plants respond to sunlight.
Low winter sunlight tells nature:
- grow slowly
- save energy
- wait for spring
Birds stay quiet
Plants remain dormant
Animals reduce activity
Sun height is an important signal for life on Earth.
🧪 January Science Activity
Measure the Shadow Experiment
What you need:
- a sunny winter day
- a stick
- chalk or stones
- a measuring tape
What to do:
- Place the stick upright in the ground
- Measure the length of its shadow at midday
- Write it down
- Repeat the experiment in spring
You will see how the Sun climbs higher as seasons change.
🧠 Fun January Sun Facts
- In winter the Sun rises and sets far in the south
- Long shadows help animals spot danger
- Artists love winter light because it is soft
- The Sun will slowly climb higher every month after January
📚 Science Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Tilt | When something leans to one side |
| Angle | The direction light comes from |
| Horizon | Where the sky meets the ground |
| Energy | Power that causes warmth and movement |