Planet Earth/Seasons

Front

What is the summer solstice?

Back

The summer solstice is the longest day of the year, occurring around June 21 in the Northern Hemisphere, when the North Pole is tilted closest to the sun.

Front

What happens to the length of days after the summer solstice?

Back

After the summer solstice, the days start to get shorter until the fall equinox.

Front

What is the equator?

Back

The equator is an imaginary line that divides the Earth into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, located at 0 degrees latitude.

Front

What is the Northern Hemisphere?

Back

The Northern Hemisphere is the half of the Earth that is north of the equator.

Front

What is the Southern Hemisphere?

Back

The Southern Hemisphere is the half of the Earth that is south of the equator.

Front

What causes the seasons on Earth?

Back

The tilt of the Earth's axis causes the seasons as different parts of the Earth receive varying amounts of sunlight throughout the year.

Front

What is the position of the Earth during winter in the Northern Hemisphere?

Back

During winter in the Northern Hemisphere, the North Pole is tilted away from the sun.

Front

What is the position of the Earth during summer in the Northern Hemisphere?

Back

During summer in the Northern Hemisphere, the North Pole is tilted toward the sun.

Front

What is the fall equinox?

Back

The fall equinox is the point in the year, around September 21, when day and night are approximately equal in length.

Front

What is the spring equinox?

Back

The spring equinox is the point in the year, around March 21, when day and night are approximately equal in length.