Solstice and Equinox

Front

What is a solstice?

Back

A solstice is an astronomical 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 astronomical event that occurs twice a year when day and night are approximately equal in length, occurring in March and September.

Front

What causes the seasons on Earth?

Back

The tilt of the Earth's axis and its orbit around the sun cause the seasons, leading to varying sunlight and temperature throughout the year.

Front

When does the summer solstice occur in the Northern Hemisphere?

Back

The summer solstice occurs around June 21st in the Northern Hemisphere.

Front

When does the winter solstice occur in the Northern Hemisphere?

Back

The winter solstice occurs around December 21st in the Northern Hemisphere.

Front

What happens during the autumnal equinox?

Back

During the autumnal equinox, which occurs around September 22nd, day and night are approximately equal in length, marking the start of autumn.

Front

What happens during the vernal equinox?

Back

During the vernal equinox, which occurs around March 21st, day and night are approximately equal in length, marking the start of spring.

Front

What is the significance of the equator?

Back

The equator is an imaginary line that divides the Earth into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres and is the point where the sun is directly overhead at noon during the equinoxes.

Front

How does the tilt of the Earth affect climate?

Back

The tilt of the Earth affects climate by changing the angle at which sunlight hits the surface, leading to variations in temperature and weather patterns throughout the year.

Front

What is the difference between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres during solstices?

Back

During the summer solstice, the Northern Hemisphere experiences the longest day, while the Southern Hemisphere experiences the shortest day, and vice versa during the winter solstice.