National Geo Spring Equinox Reading Questions

What celestial event creates a day with light and dark of nearly equal length?

• Solstice

• Equinox

• Full moon

• Eclipse

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

When does the vernal equinox occur in the Northern Hemisphere?

• December 21

• June 21

• September 22

• March 20

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

What ancient structure is known for its alignment with the equinox and solstices?

• Chankillo

• The Great Pyramid of Giza

• The Roman Colosseum

• The Eiffel Tower

What phenomenon appears at Chichén Itzá during the equinox?

• A solar eclipse

• A lunar eclipse

• A blazing serpent of light

• A rainbow

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

What is the main ingredient used by the Lakota for the Sacred Pipe ceremony during the equinox?

• Cedar

• Sage

• Red willow

• Sweetgrass

What does the Sun Dagger mark?

• The harvest season

• Lunar phases

• Equinox and solstice

• The new year

What civilization thrived in Chaco Canyon?

• The Aztecs

• An ancient civilization

• The Incas

• The Mayans

What birds were sacrificed to mark the equinox in some ancient cultures?

• Eagles

• Scarlet macaws

• Doves

• Hawks

What constellation does the sun rise in during the vernal equinox according to the Lakota?

• The Big Dipper

• Orion

• Cassiopeia

• The Dried Willow

What is the purpose of the ceremonies performed by the Lakota during the equinox?

• To prepare for winter

• To mark the harvest season

• To welcome life on Earth

• To celebrate the new year