Which factor most influences the variation in sun angle throughout the year?

The variation in sun angle throughout the year is predominantly influenced by the tilt of Earth's axis. Earth's axis is tilted at approximately 23.5 degrees relative to its orbit around the Sun. This tilt results in different areas of the Earth receiving varying amounts of sunlight at different times of the year, leading to the changing sun angle from season to season.

During summer in one hemisphere, that hemisphere is tilted toward the Sun, causing the Sun to appear higher in the sky, resulting in a higher sun angle. Conversely, during winter, the hemisphere is tilted away from the Sun, leading to a lower sun angle. This effect creates the seasons and significantly influences the amount of solar energy received, which impacts climate and weather patterns.

While the rotation of the Earth affects the daily cycles of sunlight, and the distance from the Sun contributes to seasonal changes, it is the axial tilt that is the primary driver of the annual variation in sun angle. The gravitational pull of the Moon has minimal impact on sun angle variations as it primarily influences ocean tides, not solar angles.