Sun's Path and Daylight Quiz

Which observation about the Sun’s apparent path at this location on June 21 is best supported by the diagram?

• The Sun appears to move across the sky at a rate of 1° per hour.

• The Sun’s total daytime path is shortest on this date.

• Sunrise occurs north of east.

• Sunset occurs south of west.

Answer explanation

On June 21, the Sun rises north of east due to the tilt of the Earth's axis. This is characteristic of the summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere, making this observation the best supported by the diagram.

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Approximately how many hours of daylight are received at the North Pole on June 21?

• 0

• 12

• 18

• 24

Answer explanation

On June 21, the North Pole experiences continuous daylight due to the tilt of the Earth's axis. This phenomenon, known as the Midnight Sun, results in approximately 24 hours of daylight.

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The diagram below shows the noontime shadows cast by a student and a tree. If the time is solar noon and the student is located in New York State, in what direction is the student facing?

• north

• south

• east

• west

Answer explanation

At solar noon in New York, the sun is at its highest point in the sky, which is towards the south. Therefore, the student's shadow will point north, indicating that the student is facing north.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

The diagram to the right shows the apparent path of the Sun as viewed by an observer at a certain Earth location on March 21. At which latitude is the observer located?

• the Equator (0°)

• 66.5° N

• 23.5°N

• 90° N

Answer explanation

On March 21, the Sun is directly overhead at the Equator (0° latitude). The apparent path of the Sun would be symmetrical and high in the sky, indicating the observer is at the Equator.

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The diagram below represents a location on the Earth's surface on March 21. Lines have been drawn to represent the apparent path of the Sun across the sky. The present position of the Sun, the position of Polaris, and the zenith (Z) are shown for an observer at each location. What time of day is shown by the Sun’s present position at location A?

• morning

• noon

• afternoon

• midnight

Answer explanation

The Sun's position at location A indicates it is past the zenith and moving towards the west, which corresponds to the afternoon. Therefore, the correct answer is afternoon.

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The shaded portion of the map indicates areas of night and the unshaded portion indicates areas of daylight. Which day of the year is best represented by the map below the Antarctic Circle?

• March 21

• June 21

• September 23

• December 21

Answer explanation

The map shows the Antarctic Circle experiencing continuous night, which occurs during the Southern Hemisphere's summer solstice on December 21. This is when the South Pole is tilted towards the sun, resulting in 24 hours of darkness.

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From sunrise to sunset at location B, the length of the observer’s shadow will

• increase, only

• increase, then decrease

• decrease, only

• decrease, then increase

Answer explanation

From sunrise to noon, the sun rises, causing shadows to decrease in length. After noon, the sun sets, but the shadow continues to decrease until sunset. Therefore, the length of the observer’s shadow will decrease, only.

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The sky model diagram below shows the apparent path of the Sun on March 21 for an observer in Buffalo, New York. Which statement best describes the changes in sunrise, sunset, and noon positions of the Sun for an observer in Buffalo on May 21.

• The Sun will rise farther south, set farther north, and be lower in the sky at noon on May 21.

• The Sun will rise farther north, set farther north, and be higher in the sky at noon on May 21.

• The Sun will rise farther north, set farther south and be higher in the sky at noon on May 21.

• The Sun will rise due east and set due west and be higher in the sky at noon on May 21.

Answer explanation

On May 21, the Sun rises farther north and sets farther north due to the Earth's tilt. Additionally, it is higher in the sky at noon compared to March 21, resulting in longer daylight hours and more direct sunlight.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

How many hours occurred between sunrise and solar noon on September 23?

• 6

• 8

• 12

• 24

Answer explanation

On September 23, sunrise occurs and solar noon is 6 hours later. Therefore, the time between sunrise and solar noon is 6 hours, making the total time from sunrise to sunset 12 hours. Thus, the correct answer is 12.

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According to the diagram, during which month could Earth be in the position shown in the diagram?

• February

• May

• October

• December

Answer explanation

The diagram likely shows Earth's position during May, when the Northern Hemisphere is tilted towards the Sun, resulting in warmer temperatures. February, October, and December do not align with this position.

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