Solstice & Equinox

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What is a solstice?

Back

A solstice is an 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.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Front

What is an equinox?

Back

An equinox is an event that occurs twice a year when day and night are approximately equal in length, marking the beginning of spring and autumn.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Front

When does the summer solstice occur in the northern hemisphere?

Back

The summer solstice occurs around June 21st.

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Front

When does the winter solstice occur in the northern hemisphere?

Back

The winter solstice occurs around December 21st.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Front

What happens during the summer solstice in the northern hemisphere?

Back

The northern hemisphere experiences the longest day and shortest night of the year.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Front

What happens during the winter solstice in the northern hemisphere?

Back

The northern hemisphere experiences the shortest day and longest night of the year.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Front

What is the tilt of the Earth's axis?

Back

The tilt of the Earth's axis is about 23.5 degrees, which affects how sunlight is distributed on Earth, leading to seasons.

Front

How does the tilt of the Earth's axis affect seasons?

Back

The tilt causes different parts of the Earth to receive varying amounts of sunlight throughout the year, resulting in seasons.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Front

What is the significance of the equinoxes?

Back

Equinoxes mark the change of seasons, with the spring equinox around March 21st and the autumn equinox around September 23rd.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Front

What is the relationship between solstices and equinoxes?

Back

Solstices and equinoxes are key events in the Earth's orbit around the sun that mark the changing of seasons.

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