Seasons

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What is a solstice?

Back

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

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Front

How many solstices occur in a year?

Back

There are two solstices in a year: the winter solstice and the summer solstice.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Front

What date does the winter solstice occur?

Back

The winter solstice occurs on December 21st.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Front

What date does the summer solstice occur?

Back

The summer solstice occurs on June 21st.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

What is an equinox?

Back

An equinox is an event that occurs when day and night are of approximately equal length, marking the start of spring and autumn.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

How many equinoxes occur in a year?

Back

There are two equinoxes in a year: the vernal (spring) equinox and the autumnal equinox.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

What date does the autumnal equinox occur?

Back

The autumnal equinox occurs on September 22nd.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Front

What season is Earth closest to the sun?

Back

Earth is closest to the sun during winter.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Front

What season is Earth furthest from the sun?

Back

Earth is furthest from the sun during summer.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Front

What causes the seasons?

Back

The seasons are caused by the tilt of the Earth's axis and its orbit around the sun.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-1