The ecliptic plane doesn't lie parallel to the celestial equator because Earth's axis of rotation has a _________ tilt relative to the plane of Earth's orbit around the Sun.
A)180°
B)90°
C)23.5°
D)40.5°

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The ecliptic plane is defined as the plane of Earth's orbit around the Sun. Since Earth's axis of rotation is tilted at an angle of 23.5° relative to the perpendicular to the plane of Earth's orbit, the ecliptic plane is tilted at the same angle relative to the celestial equator. Therefore, the correct answer is C).

The Ecliptic Plane Doesn't Lie Parallel to the Celestial Equator