What is the name of an imaginary straight line that runs through the South and North Poles?
Correct answer to the quiz question
Earth axis
The imaginary straight line that runs through the South Pole and the North Pole of the Earth is known as the “Earth’s axis”.
Detailed answer to the quiz question
The Earth’s axis is the imaginary line around which the Earth rotates at a fixed distance from its center. This axis is perpendicular to the plane of the ecliptic, on which the earth moves around the sun. The geographic North Pole and South Pole lie along this axis on the surface of the Earth. This orientation is fundamental for determining geographical coordinates and dividing the earth into hemispheres (northern and southern hemisphere).
The tilt of the Earth’s axis also plays an important role in the seasons on Earth: the tilt of the Earth’s axis by around 23.5 degrees relative to the orbital plane around the sun gives rise to the different positions of the sun during the year and thus the seasons.
In summary, the Earth’s axis is a fundamental geographical and astronomical reference line that determines the rotation and movements of the Earth in space and time.
