Question

Listed following are observable characteristics of equinoxes and solstices in the continental United States (which means temperate latitudes in the Northern Hemisphere). Match each characteristic to the corresponding equinox or solstice.

Answer 1

Spring Equinox
- the Sun rises due east today, but will rise slightly north of due east tomorrow

Summer Solstice
- longest day (most daylight) of the year
- the noontime Sun reaches its highest point of the year

Fall Equinox
- The sun has declination 0 degree today, but will have a negative declination tomorrow

Winter Solstice
- the noontime Sun cast the longest shadows
- the Sun crosses the meridian 23.5 degrees lower in altitude than the celestial equator
- sunset occurs at its farthest point south of due west for the year