Earth’s Axis and Seasons Review

What is the imaginary plane that connects Earth’s orbit with the celestial sphere called?

• Plane of the ecliptic

• Plane of the equator

• Plane of the meridian

• Plane of the horizon

By how many degrees is Earth’s axis of rotation tilted from the reference plane?

• 30 degrees

• 23.5 degrees

• 15 degrees

• 45 degrees

At what angle do the apparent path of the sun and the celestial equator intersect each other due to Earth’s tilt?

• 45 degrees

• 23.5 degrees

• 15 degrees

• 30 degrees

Why is the angle of 23.5 degrees important to Earth’s inhabitants?

• It determines the length of a day

• It causes the Earth's magnetic field

• It affects the ocean tides

• It creates the cycle of seasons

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What causes Earth to have its yearly cycle of seasons?

• Distance from the sun

• Atmospheric pressure

• Tilt of Earth's axis

• Rotation speed

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What are the two points where the apparent position of the sun intersects the celestial equator?

• Spring equinox and autumn equinox

• Summer solstice and spring equinox

• Summer solstice and winter solstice

• Vernal equinox and autumnal equinox

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When does the summer solstice occur in the Northern Hemisphere?

• December 21-22

• September 22 or 23

• March 20 or 21

• June 21 or 22

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How far north of the celestial equator does the sun appear on the date of the summer solstice?

• 45 degrees

• 30 degrees

• 23.5 degrees

• 15 degrees

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When does the winter solstice occur in the Northern Hemisphere?

• December 21-22

• September 22 or 23

• March 20 or 21

• June 21 or 22

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How far south of the celestial equator does the sun appear on the date of the winter solstice?

• 30 degrees

• 45 degrees

• 15 degrees

• 23.5 degrees

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