Solstice and Equinox - Changing Seasons

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 approximately equal in length, marking the beginning of spring and autumn.

Front

When does the summer solstice occur in the Northern Hemisphere?

Back

The summer solstice occurs around June 21st.

Front

When does the winter solstice occur in the Northern Hemisphere?

Back

The winter solstice occurs around December 21st.

Front

What happens to daylight hours during the winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere?

Back

During the winter solstice, the Northern Hemisphere experiences the fewest hours of daylight.

Front

What happens to daylight hours during the summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere?

Back

During the summer solstice, the Northern Hemisphere experiences the most hours of daylight.

Front

How do the sun's rays change from September 23rd to December 20th in the Northern Hemisphere?

Back

The sun's rays become more indirect and weaker.

Front

What is the position of the Northern Hemisphere relative to the sun on December 21st?

Back

On December 21st, the Northern Hemisphere is tilted away from the sun.

Front

What type of weather does the Northern Hemisphere typically experience on June 21st?

Back

The Northern Hemisphere typically experiences warm weather on June 21st.

Front

What is the significance of the equinoxes?

Back

Equinoxes mark the change of seasons, with the spring equinox occurring around March 21st and the autumn equinox around September 23rd.