Question 1

What causes the four seasons?

Accepted Answer

Seasons are caused by Earth's 23.5-degree axial tilt, not by Earth's distance from the Sun. When the Northern Hemisphere tilts toward the Sun it receives more direct sunlight, creating summer. Six months later it tilts away, creating winter.

Question 2

What is an equinox?

Accepted Answer

An equinox is when the Sun passes directly over Earth's equator, making day and night approximately equal in length worldwide. There are two equinoxes each year: the March equinox around March 20 and the September equinox around September 22–23.

Question 3

What is a solstice?

Accepted Answer

A solstice occurs when the Sun reaches its most northerly or southerly position. The June solstice (around June 21) is the longest day in the Northern Hemisphere; the December solstice (around December 21) is the shortest day.

Question 4

Are seasons reversed in the Southern Hemisphere?

Accepted Answer

Yes. When the Northern Hemisphere has summer, the Southern Hemisphere has winter, and vice versa. The March equinox marks the start of autumn in the Southern Hemisphere and spring in the Northern Hemisphere.

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