Solstice & Equinox

Front

What is a solstice?

Back

A solstice is an event that occurs twice a year when the sun reaches its highest or lowest point in the sky at noon, resulting in the longest and shortest days of the year.

Front

What is an equinox?

Back

An equinox is an event that occurs twice a year when day and night are of approximately equal length, marking the beginning of spring and fall.

Front

When does the summer solstice occur in the northern hemisphere?

Back

The summer solstice occurs in June.

Front

When does the winter solstice occur in the northern hemisphere?

Back

The winter solstice occurs in December.

Front

What happens during the summer solstice?

Back

During the summer solstice, the northern hemisphere experiences the longest day and shortest night of the year.

Front

What happens during the winter solstice?

Back

During the winter solstice, the northern hemisphere experiences the shortest day and longest night of the year.

Front

Which two equinoxes occur each year?

Back

The spring equinox and the fall equinox.

Front

What is the significance of the spring equinox?

Back

The spring equinox marks the beginning of spring and is when day and night are approximately equal in length.

Front

What is the significance of the fall equinox?

Back

The fall equinox marks the beginning of fall and is when day and night are approximately equal in length.

Front

How many months of night do the poles have in winter?

Back

The poles can experience up to 6 months of night during winter.