Final answer:
Twice a year, during the equinoxes, the length of day and night is roughly equal everywhere on Earth. Near the equator, there are approximately 12 hours of sunshine and 12 hours of night throughout the year. As we move farther north or south, the length of day and night becomes more imbalanced, with extreme latitudes experiencing either 24 hours of darkness or 24 hours of daylight.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Length of Day and Night at the Equinoxes
Twice a year, on about March 21st and September 21st, the Sun is on the celestial equator. During these times, every place on Earth receives roughly 12 hours of sunshine and 12 hours of night. This is because the Sun's position is at one of the intersections between the ecliptic and the celestial equator, known as the vernal (spring) and autumnal (fall) equinoxes.
The Seasons at Different Latitudes
The length of day and night at the equinoxes varies depending on the latitude. Near the equator, every day of the year has approximately 12 hours of sunshine and 12 hours of night. As we travel farther north or south, the seasons become more pronounced, and there is a larger imbalance between day and night. At extreme latitudes near the poles, there can be 24 hours of darkness or 24 hours of daylight, depending on the time of year.