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 are the two solstices called?

Back

The two solstices are the summer solstice and the winter solstice.

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 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 spring and autumn.

Front

What are the two equinoxes called?

Back

The two equinoxes are the vernal equinox (spring) and the autumnal equinox (fall).

Front

When does the vernal equinox occur in the northern hemisphere?

Back

The vernal equinox occurs around March 21st.

Front

When does the autumnal equinox occur in the northern hemisphere?

Back

The autumnal equinox occurs around September 23rd.

Front

What happens at the poles during the summer solstice?

Back

During the summer solstice, the poles experience 24 hours of daylight.

Front

What happens at the poles during the winter solstice?

Back

During the winter solstice, the poles experience 24 hours of darkness.