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More specifically, the start of each season is marked by either a solstice (for winter and summer) or an equinox (for spring and autumn). A solstice is when the Sun reaches the most southerly or northerly point in the sky, while an equinox is when the Sun passes over Earth’s equator.
The equinox in the Northern hemisphere occurs twice a year around spring and autumn. It is the time the plane of Earth’s equator passes through the centre of the sun’s disc. The solstice marks summer and winter seasons. It is the times when the sun reaches its highest or lowest point in the sky at noon.
What is between solstice and equinox?
The halfway point between a solstice and equinox is called a cross-quarter day. These are Candlemas or Groundhog Day on Feb. 2, Beltane or May Day on May 1, Lammas on August 1, and All Souls’ Day or Halloween on Oct. 31.
What is an equinox in terms of seasons?
The Equinox (Vernal & Autumnal) There are only two times of the year when the Earth’s axis is tilted neither toward nor away from the sun, resulting in a “nearly” equal amount of daylight and darkness at all latitudes. These events are referred to as Equinoxes.
Why are the terms summer and Winter Solstice and spring and fall equinox confusing?
Are they just different names for the same thing? Actually, a solstice and an equinox are sort of opposites. The seasons on Earth change because the planet is slightly tilted on its axis as it travels around the Sun. This means different points on Earth receive more or less sunlight at different times of year.
What is the halfway point between Winter Solstice and Spring Equinox?
February second
February second is the exact halfway point between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox. It is the winter midpoint or cross-quarter day.
What is the equinox and solstice dates?
So, in the Northern Hemisphere you have: Vernal equinox(about March 21): day and night of equal length, marking the start of spring. Summer solstice (June 20 or 21): longest day of the year, marking the start of summer. Autumnal equinox(about September 23): day and night of equal length, marking the start of autumn.
Where are the equinox and Solstice?
The solstices and equinoxes are defined by Earth’s position in its orbit relative to the Sun. They occur because the Earth’s axis of spin lies at an angle (23.5 degrees) to the plane on which it orbits the Sun.