Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the distance of the Earth from the Sun at Aphelion?
What is the distance of the Earth from the Sun at Aphelion?
When does the Summer Solstice occur in the Northern Hemisphere?
When does the Summer Solstice occur in the Northern Hemisphere?
What phenomenon results in the varying length of day and night?
What phenomenon results in the varying length of day and night?
What is the meaning of the word 'Solstitium' in Latin?
What is the meaning of the word 'Solstitium' in Latin?
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When does the Winter Solstice occur in the Southern Hemisphere?
When does the Winter Solstice occur in the Southern Hemisphere?
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What does the word Equinox mean in Latin?
What does the word Equinox mean in Latin?
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When does the Spring Equinox occur in the Northern Hemisphere?
When does the Spring Equinox occur in the Northern Hemisphere?
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On which date does the Autumnal Equinox occur in the Northern Hemisphere?
On which date does the Autumnal Equinox occur in the Northern Hemisphere?
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What is the approximate circumference of the Earth?
What is the approximate circumference of the Earth?
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What is the speed of revolution of the Earth?
What is the speed of revolution of the Earth?
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Study Notes
Equinox and Solstice
- "Equinox" derives from Latin "Aequinoctium", meaning "equal nights" when the Sun is overhead at the Equator.
- Spring Equinox (Vernal Equinox) occurs on March 21 in the Northern Hemisphere; it is the Autumn Equinox in the Southern Hemisphere.
- September 23 marks the Autumnal Equinox in the Northern Hemisphere, while the Southern Hemisphere celebrates the Spring Equinox.
Important Dates
- March 21: Vernal Equinox
- June 22: Summer Solstice (Northern Hemisphere)
- September 23: Autumnal Equinox
- December 22: Winter Solstice (Northern Hemisphere)
Earth’s Characteristics
- Circumference of the Earth is approximately 40,000 km.
- Earth’s speed of revolution around the Sun is about 30 km per second.
- At Aphelion (around July 3), Earth is 152 million kilometers from the Sun.
- At Perihelion (around January 3), Earth is 147 million kilometers from the Sun.
Seasons and Their Oppositions
- The revolution and axial tilt of the Earth result in varying lengths of day and night, leading to seasonal changes.
- Sun's vertical rays determine solstices:
- Northern Hemisphere experiences Summer Solstice on June 21 and Winter Solstice on December 22.
- Southern Hemisphere experiences Summer Solstice on December 22 and Winter Solstice on June 21.
Earth’s Axial Motion
- Earth rotates on its axis and revolves around the Sun, with rotation taking approximately 24 hours to complete.
- The rotation speed is fastest at the Equator (about 1670 km/h) and decreases towards the poles (about 1666 km/h).
- Differential rotation speed contributes to the Earth's shape, causing it to bulge at the Equator and flatten at the poles.
Characteristics of Revolution
- Earth revolves around the Sun in an anti-clockwise direction, completing one revolution in 365 ¼ days.
- The Earth’s orbit is elliptical, causing varying distances from the Sun throughout the year, influencing seasonal temperature changes.
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Description
Explore the fascinating concepts of the Earth's motion in this quiz on Chapter 1. Test your knowledge about important astronomical events like the Equinoxes and Solstices. Understanding these phenomena is key to grasping how Earth’s position affects seasons.
