Thread by @_RachaelTV

Y'all remember my series #ScienceBehind that used to air on Wednesdays? It's cool if you don't - a LOT has been going on.

I don't have a new video but let's do a new installment via tweet thread (I know it's not an innovative idea but I remembered there's science this week)

Okay so on New Year's Day, we aired a segment on perihelion 🌍. Shameless plug here if you want a refresher



#13newsnow #ScienceBehind #STEMeducation

Fast forward 6 months (hey, that's today!) and now we're 3 days out from the opposite of perihelion [☀️➡️🌍] -- aphelion [☀️➡️➡️➡️🌍]

Emojis not close to scale so don't come for me.

#13newsnow #sciencebehind #STEMeducation

If you're wondering "How are we FARTHER from the sun in the summer time?" I got you:

Earth's axis is on a tilt. Our home planet got a lil' lean to it - and that causes the seasons. We have Summer in the N. Hemisphere b/c the tilt=more direct sun rays

#13newsnow #STEMed

And yes, other planets are on a tilt, as well. So no, Earth isn't just crooked. But Venus is doing the MOST with its tilt 👀

(Photo via my friends [in my head] at @NASAJPL_Edu )

#STEMeducation

If you know me, you know I don't forget about Pluto, even though I KNOW it's a dwarf planet.

Anyway, my other friends (in my head) at @airandspace say that Pluto's axis is tilted ~119-120°

#PlutoForever ❤️

More info: airandspace.si.edu/exhibitions/ex….

#STEMeducation #ScienceBehind

Aight so we've taken a tour of the #Solarsystem , let's bring it back home.

Although the Moon is smaller than Earth, its gravitational pull is enough to do a little tug of war and alter the date, time and distance of aphelion

#13newsnow #ScienceBehind #STEMeducation

It's a minor change year to year, though. You'd never notice unless you looked at the numbers.

I like to think of it as the moon SLIGHTLY adjusting the planet's wig - really based on how the moon feels that year but we'd be fine without it

#STEMeducation #ScienceBehind

Get into this science happening this weekend that won't happen again until next year! 😍

🌍➡️➡️➡️☀️
#13newsnow #ScienceBehind #STEMeducation

Have a great day, everyone. Be sure to read the full thread (there may be some hidden laughs).

And remember, Dexter said it best:
#13newsnow #ScienceBehind

thought of you while doing science this morning @PhilOfThePrsnt