Earth's Days, Years, and Seasons

Front

What are solstices?

Back

Solstices are the two days in a year when the sun reaches its highest or lowest point in the sky at noon, marking the beginning of summer and winter.

Front

How long does it take for Earth to complete one revolution around the sun?

Back

It takes about 365 ¼ days for Earth to complete one revolution around the sun, which is one year.

Front

What is an equinox?

Back

An equinox is a day when the sun shines equally on the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, resulting in nearly equal day and night.

Front

At what angle do the sun’s rays strike the Earth at the equator during an equinox?

Back

The sun’s rays strike the Earth at a 90° angle along the equator during an equinox.

Front

What is a rotation in terms of Earth?

Back

A rotation is the time it takes for Earth to complete one full turn on its axis, which is approximately 24 hours.

Front

What is a revolution in terms of Earth?

Back

A revolution is the movement of Earth around the sun, taking about 365 ¼ days to complete.

Front

What marks the beginning of summer in the Northern Hemisphere?

Back

The summer solstice marks the beginning of summer in the Northern Hemisphere.

Front

What marks the beginning of winter in the Northern Hemisphere?

Back

The winter solstice marks the beginning of winter in the Northern Hemisphere.

Front

What happens to day length during the summer solstice?

Back

During the summer solstice, the day length is the longest of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.

Front

What happens to day length during the winter solstice?

Back

During the winter solstice, the day length is the shortest of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.