Axial tilt

In astronomy, axial tilt, also known as obliquity, is the angle between an object's rotational axis and
its orbital axis, or, equivalently, the angle between its equatorial plane and orbital plane.[1] It differs
from orbital inclination.

At an obliquity of 0 degrees, the two axes point in the same direction; i.e., the rotational axis is
perpendicular to the orbital plane. Earth's obliquity oscillates between 22.1 and 24.5 degrees[2] on a
41,000-year cycle. Based on a continuously updated formula (here Laskar, 1986, though since 2006
the IMCCE and the IAU recommend the P03 model), Earth's mean obliquity (without taking into
account the nutation in obliquity) is currently about 23°26′11.5″ (or 23.43652°) and decreasing;
according to P03 astronomical model, its value (without taking into account the nutation in obliquity)
was 23° 26' 11,570" (23.4365472133°) on January 1st 2021, 0 TT.

Over the course of an orbital period, the obliquity usually does not change considerably, and the
orientation of the axis remains the same relative to the background of stars. This causes one pole to be
directed more toward the Sun on one side of the orbit, and the other pole on the other side—the cause
of the seasons on Earth.