As we travel north or south on Earth, we do observe a noticeable change in the angle of the Sun's rays. This change in the angle of sunlight is one of the reasons we experience seasons. However, the extent of the change in the angle of the Sun's rays depends on how far we travel from the equator.
The Earth is indeed a globe, and the Sun's rays are not parallel to the Earth's surface. They hit the Earth at different angles depending on the latitude or the distance from the equator. This variation in the angle of sunlight leads to differences in the amount of solar energy received at different locations on Earth.
At the equator, where the surface is closest to perpendicular to the Sun's rays, the sunlight is more direct. As we move closer to the poles, the angle of the Sun's rays becomes more oblique, leading to a spread-out and less intense sunlight. This is why regions closer to the poles generally experience colder temperatures.
The change in the angle of the Sun's rays also affects the length of daylight hours. During the summer in the northern hemisphere, for example, the North Pole experiences continuous daylight because the angle of the Sun's rays is such that it does not dip below the horizon. On the other hand, during winter, the angle is such that the Sun remains below the horizon for extended periods, leading to polar nights.
It's worth noting that the changes in the angle of the Sun's rays are gradual as we move north or south. It may not be immediately noticeable during short-distance travels, but it becomes more evident over longer distances or when comparing locations with significant differences in latitude.
Observing the change in the angle of the Sun's rays is easier with instruments such as sundials, astrolabes, or by noting the length and intensity of shadows cast at different times of the day and year.