You can gain a more nuanced understanding of how solar radiation is divided on the Earth's surface by conducting a small experiment.

For this experiment, you will need a ball (a soccer ball, a balloon or a globe) and a lamp (a flashlight or a table light).

Set the ball on a table or hold it up with your hand. Shine the light directly at the ball. Focus the beam of light near the ball's middle part (its equator), and move it towards the bottom and top parts of the ball (its poles).

How does the spot of light change when moving the light from the center of the ball towards its top or bottom? 

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