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How Incoming Solar Radiation Changes with Latitude — Reading Comprehension

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This NGSS-aligned science reading passage helps middle school students understand how solar radiation, or insolation, changes with latitude. It explains why areas near the equator receive more direct sunlight while regions near the poles receive less, due to the angle of the Sun’s rays. The passage also explores how Earth's tilt causes seasonal differences in sunlight and temperature. These variations help explain climate zones and the differences in weather and ecosystems across the globe. The passage supports science reading comprehension and includes essential vocabulary like latitude, insolation, equator, and greenhouse effect. It is ideal for lessons on Earth’s energy system, seasons, and climate under NGSS Earth and Space Science standards.

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Incoming solar radiation, also known as insolation, is the sunlight that reaches Earth’s surface. The amount of solar radiation a place receives depends on its latitude, or distance from the equator. Latitude plays a major role in shaping Earth’s climates, temperatures, and seasons.

At the equator (0° latitude), the Sun’s rays hit Earth almost directly throughout the year. This means sunlight is more concentrated and delivers more energy to the surface. That’s why tropical regions near the equator are typically warm and receive consistent sunlight all year long.

As you move toward the poles (higher latitudes like 60° or 90°), the Sun’s rays strike Earth at a lower angle. This spreads the energy over a larger area and reduces its intensity. Because of this, regions near the poles receive less solar radiation and are much colder. The Sun also rises lower in the sky and may not appear at all during some parts of winter in polar areas.

Latitude also affects seasonal changes in solar radiation. For example, during summer in the Northern Hemisphere, the North Pole tilts toward the Sun, so places like the United States get longer days and more sunlight. In winter, the North Pole tilts away from the Sun, leading to shorter days and less incoming solar energy.

This variation in solar radiation with latitude helps explain Earth’s climate zones—tropical, temperate, and polar. It also influences ecosystems, agriculture, and how people adapt to their environments.

Fun Fact: During summer, the Arctic Circle can have up to 24 hours of sunlight a day—this is called the

What is solar radiation also called?

Light speedInsolationReflectionRotation

Which part of Earth gets the most direct sunlight?

The polesThe equatorThe oceansThe mountains

Why do areas near the poles receive less solar radiation?

They are farther from the MoonThey reflect more lightThe Sun's rays hit at a lower angleThere are more clouds

What happens to sunlight at higher latitudes?

It becomes strongerIt covers a smaller areaIt is more concentratedIt spreads out more

What causes seasonal changes in solar radiation?

Earth’s distance from the SunEarth’s rotationEarth’s tilted axisThe shape of Earth

What is the climate like at the equator?

Cold and icyWindy and dryWarm and consistentCloudy all year

What is the main idea of the passage?

The Sun only shines near the equatorSolar radiation changes due to weatherLatitude affects how much solar radiation places receiveSunlight always hits Earth equally

If a place gets very little sunlight in winter, what can you guess about its latitude?

It is close to the equatorIt is in the Southern HemisphereIt is near a desertIt is closer to the poles