Seasons and Day/Night

Front

What is a Solstice?

Back

A Solstice is when the Sun in the sky reaches its northernmost or southernmost extremes, marking the longest and shortest days of the year.

Front

What is Earth's Rotation?

Back

Earth's Rotation is the spinning of Earth on its axis, which takes about 24 hours to complete.

Front

What season does New Jersey experience when Earth is in Position A?

Back

Autumn.

Front

What is an Equinox?

Back

An Equinox is when the Sun is directly over the equator, and the sun shines equally on both hemispheres, resulting in nearly equal day and night.

Front

How long does it take for Earth to complete one rotation?

Back

About 24 hours.

Front

What causes the change of seasons on Earth?

Back

The tilt of Earth's axis and its orbit around the Sun cause the change of seasons.

Front

What is the difference between rotation and revolution?

Back

Rotation is the spinning of Earth on its axis, while revolution is the movement of Earth around the Sun.

Front

What is the significance of the Summer Solstice?

Back

The Summer Solstice marks the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, occurring around June 21.

Front

What is the significance of the Winter Solstice?

Back

The Winter Solstice marks the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, occurring around December 21.

Front

What happens during a Vernal Equinox?

Back

During a Vernal Equinox, which occurs around March 21, day and night are approximately equal in length.