Planetary Energy Balance

The Sun Controls the Temperature

Solar energy is energy from the sun. The sun’s energy reaches Earth in the form of sunlight. The temperatures we experience on Earth are directly related to how much sunlight is received.	Some areas on Earth receive more solar energy which results in higher temperatures. Areas near the equator, sometimes known as the Tropics, are examples of places where the temperatures are warmer.	Other areas on Earth receive less solar energy which results in lower temperatures. The North Pole and South Pole are good examples of places where the temperatures are colder.