Seasons #2

Front

What is an equinox?

Back

An equinox is a time of year when day and night are approximately equal in length, occurring twice a year when the sun is directly over the equator.

Front

What happens during an equinox?

Back

During an equinox, the sun is directly over the equator, resulting in nearly equal daylight and nighttime hours.

Front

What are the two equinoxes called?

Back

The two equinoxes are called the Vernal Equinox (around March 21) and the Autumnal Equinox (around September 23).

Front

What is a solstice?

Back

A solstice is a time of year when the sun reaches its highest or lowest point in the sky at noon, resulting in the longest or shortest day of the year.

Front

What causes the seasons on Earth?

Back

The seasons are caused by the tilt of the Earth's axis as it revolves around the sun.

Front

Which planets have shorter years than Earth?

Back

Mercury and Venus have shorter years, meaning they orbit the sun faster than Earth.

Front

What is the tilt of the Earth’s axis?

Back

The tilt of the Earth's axis is approximately 23.5 degrees, which affects the angle of sunlight received at different times of the year.

Front

What is the difference between a solstice and an equinox?

Back

A solstice occurs when the sun is at its highest or lowest point, leading to the longest or shortest day, while an equinox occurs when day and night are of equal length.

Front

How does the Earth's revolution affect seasons?

Back

As the Earth revolves around the sun, different parts of the Earth receive varying amounts of sunlight, leading to the changing seasons.

Front

What is the significance of the North and South Poles during solstices?

Back

During the summer solstice, the North Pole experiences continuous daylight, while the South Pole experiences continuous night, and vice versa during the winter solstice.