Winter Trivia Challenge

What was the original purpose of marshmallows before they became a popular candy?

• a sweetener in desserts

• medicinal syrup and ointment

• building material for igloos

• an ingredient in soups and stews

Answer explanation

Originally, marshmallows were made from the root sap of the marsh mallow plant (Althaea officinalis), combined with sugar and egg white. This concoction served as a medicinal syrup and ointment, known for its soothing properties to treat ailments like sore throats, coughs, and skin irritations. Over the years, the use of marshmallows transitioned from medicinal to culinary, evolving into the sweet treat we know today.

What percentage of Earth's surface is covered by snow either permanently or temporarily?

• 10 percent

• 23 percent

• 35 percent

• 50 percent

Answer explanation

Snow, in its solid form, covers approximately 23 percent of Earth's surface, either permanently in places like the polar ice caps or temporarily during certain seasons in various regions. This snow coverage is vital in reflecting sunlight and influencing the planet's weather patterns and ecosystems.

How many times does the winter solstice happen each year?

• 12

• 1

• 2

• 3

Answer explanation

The winter solstice occurs twice annually: once in the Northern Hemisphere around December 21 or 22, when the Sun's path is farthest south, and once in the Southern Hemisphere around June 20 or 21, when the Sun's path is farthest north. This event marks the shortest day and the longest night of the year in each respective hemisphere. The winter solstice also signifies the beginning of the winter season.

How do snowflakes form?

• from frozen raindrops affected by wind speed

• from dust particles with sunlight influence

• directly from water vapor based on altitude

• around dust at temperatures above −40 °C, influenced by temperature and water vapor

Answer explanation

Snowflakes form from ice crystals that generally have a hexagonal pattern, and the surrounding temperature and the amount of water vapor available mainly influence their development

What is the name of the northern lights, a natural light display in Earth's sky, predominantly seen in the polar regions?

• Cosmic Glow

• Stellar Lights

• Celestial Sparkles

• Aurora Borealis

Answer explanation

Also known as the northern lights, the Aurora Borealis illuminates Earth's upper atmosphere in the Northern Hemisphere's high latitudes. This display results from solar wind particles interacting with atmospheric atoms, producing radiant curtains, arcs, and bands in colors like greenish-blue and red. The phenomenon stems from charged particles colliding with oxygen and nitrogen atoms, emitting distinctive radiation.

Another word for 'a person who travels to an area of warmth and sun, especially in winter' is a:

• sunseeker

• gull

• gulpin

• gudgeon

Answer explanation

We have been calling people who travel south for the winter sunseekers since the middle of the 20th century. Sunseekers are doing a form of migration.

Which of these is a form of small-sled racing in which the rider lies on their back and steers by subtle leg and shoulder movements?

• skeleton sledding

• dogsled racing

• bobsledding

• lugeing

Answer explanation

Lugeing, or luge tobogganing, is a distinct form of small-sled racing. Unlike other sled sports where steering typically involves handles or significant shifts in body weight, luge requires athletes to use subtle leg and shoulder movements to navigate the track. This sport demands precision, balance, and courage, especially considering that lugers can achieve speeds of up to 90 miles per hour, all while being mere inches from the icy surface.

Which winter holiday is celebrated sometime between January 21 and February 20?

• Christmas

• Lunar New Year

• Hanukkah

• Kwanzaa

Answer explanation

Celebrated in many Asian countries, this holiday marks the beginning of the lunar calendar year. Its date varies but falls between January 21 and February 20. Predominantly known as the Spring Festival in China (see Chinese New Year), traditions include house cleaning, family reunions, special foods, and giving red envelopes. The celebrations culminate with the Lantern Festival. The holiday has ancient origins, with legends like the beast "Nian" warded off with red decorations and loud noises.

What year was the first Winter Olympics held?

• 1924

• 1920

• 1912

• 1930

Answer explanation

The International Winter Sports Week, the first Winter Olympics, occurred in Chamonix, France, from January 25 to February 5, 1924. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) initially sponsored this event as an athletic meet and did not officially sanction it as an Olympic Games. However, due to its success and organization, the IOC acknowledged its importance. As a result, they established the Winter Games, and people now recognize Chamonix as the site of the first Winter Olympics.

What happens on the winter solstice?

• The Moon comes between the Sun and Earth

• The Sun travels the shortest path through the sky

• The Moon moves into the shadow of the Earth cast by the Sun

• The Sun travels the longest path through the sky

Answer explanation

The winter solstice is when the Sun's path is shortest in the sky, leading to the longest night and shortest day of the year. In the Northern Hemisphere, this occurs around December 21 or 22, and in the Southern Hemisphere, around June 20 or 21. This event, marking the start of longer days, is celebrated in many cultures as a time of rebirth.

Score: 1