Characteristics of the Solstice and Equinox

When we look at the seasons of our planet from an astronomical point of view, we notice that they change on four specific days every year. They occur on two solstices – one in June and the other in December. Similarly, the other two occur on two equinoxes in March and September. Thus, it is essential to understand the characteristics of the Solstice and Equinox. 

Scientists target these dates specifically as the boundary between the various seasons. It is due to a number of factors, including the relationship of the Earth with the Sun, how tilted the axis of the Earth is and finally, how all these factors influence the lives of the inhabitants of planet Earth.

What is a Solstice?

The solstice occurs in June and December. Thus, it marks the beginning of winter or summer. The term ‘solstice’ has been derived from the Latin language. 

‘Sol’ means ‘Sun’, while ‘Sistere’ means to ‘stand still’. When we look at the June Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere, we see that it indicates the astronomical start of summer. It is the day with the most daylight in the whole year. There are two types of solstices: summer solstice and winter solstice.

What is an Equinox?

Equinoxes occur between the solstices, i.e., in March and September. Thus, they hint towards the start of the seasons of spring and fall. It is a phenomenon that occurs twice a year and makes the days and nights on these days the same length of both the Southern and Northern Hemispheres. Thus, on this day, we get the same hours of night and day.  

The term ‘Equinox’ is also derived from the Latin language, where ‘aequus’ means ‘equal’, while ‘nox’ means ‘night’. Thus, it means ‘equal night’. There are two types of equinoxes: vernal equinox and autumnal equinox.

Characteristics of Solstice and Equinox – Comparative Analysis

Solstice And Equinox Diagram

Difference Between Solstice And Equinox

Conclusion

All in all, we see that the Earth slightly tilts on its axis when it travel around the Sun. It results in some parts of the Earth receiving more sunlight and others less at different times. Thus, seasons change due to this. In simpler terms, we have different seasons due to the position of our planet in its orbit around the Sun. So, we see that we wouldn’t have any seasons if the Earth wasn’t tilted. Similarly, day and night wouldn’t happen if the Earth didn’t rotate on its axis. Thus, solstices and equinoxes help in marking the start of different seasons respectively.