The Truth Behind the Equinox

How did our ancestors initially divide the year?

• By the shortest and longest days of the year

• By the migration patterns of birds

• By the number of rainy days

• By the phases of the moon

What is the common misconception about equinoxes?

• They occur every month

• They have equal day and night

• They are the coldest days of the year

• They are the hottest days of the year

What marks the specific moment of an equinox?

• When the sun is at its highest point in the sky

• When Earth's axis is not pointing toward or away from the sun

• When Earth's axis points directly at the sun

• When the moon is full

Why is 'day' longer than 'night' on the date of the equinox?

• Because the moon reflects more light

• Because of the way we define sunrise and sunset

• Because of the tilt of Earth's axis

• Because the sun is closer to Earth

How does Earth's atmosphere affect the visibility of the sun near the horizon?

• It makes the sun appear smaller

• It bends the sun's rays, making the sun visible even when it has set

• It changes the color of the sun

• It blocks the sun's rays completely

What is the 'equilux'?

• The day when the sun is directly overhead

• The shortest day of the year

• The longest day of the year

• The day when day and night are exactly equal

When does the equilux occur in relation to the equinox in March?

• A few days after

• On the same day

• A few days before

• A month before

Why don't the solstices and equinoxes divide the year into even halves or quarters?

• Because of varying weather patterns

• Because of the tilt of Earth's axis

• Because of Earth's elliptical orbit

• Because of the moon's phases

Why are there more days between the summer solstice and the winter solstice in the northern hemisphere?

• Because of seasonal weather changes

• Because of the moon's gravitational pull

• Because of Earth's elliptical orbit and varying speed

• Because of the tilt of Earth's axis

What does the term 'equinox' mean?

• Shortest night

• Longest day

• Equal night

• Equal day