HMXEarthScience - Seasons Summary

HMXEarthScience

Exploring Regents Earth and Space Science

Date

Diagrams

Important Information

June
21

Orbital View
Equatorial View
NY Sun's Path

• Summer Solstice
• Noon Sun Overhead at 23.5º N (Tropic of Cancer)
• New York Sunrise to the Northeast, New York Sunset to the Northwest
• New York Noon Sun at approximately 72º Altitude, to the South
• Earth is at aphelion, farthest in its orbit from the Sun.
• Gravitational attraction between the Earth and Sun is weakest.
• Orbital velocity to be at its lowest.
• Locations north of the Arctic Circle (66.5º N) experience 24 hours of daylight.
• Locations south of the Antarctic Circle (66.5º S) experience 24 hours of darkness.

September
23

Orbital View
Equatorial View
NY Sun's Path

• Fall Equinox
• Noon Sun Overhead at 0º (Equator)
• New York Sunrise to the East, New York Sunset to the West
• New York Noon Sun at approximately 48.5º Altitude, to the South
• All locations on Earth experience 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of darkness.

December
21

Orbital View
Equatorial View
NY Sun's Path

• Winter Solstice
• Noon Sun Overhead at 23.5º S (Tropic of Capricorn)
• New York Sunrise to the Southeast, New York Sunset to the Southwest
• New York Noon Sun at approximately 25º Altitude, to the South
• Earth is at perihelion, closest in its orbit to the Sun.
• Gravitational attraction between the Earth and Sun is strongest.
• Orbital velocity to be at its highest.
• Locations north of the Arctic Circle (66.5º N) experience 24 hours of darkness.
• Locations south of the Antarctic Circle (66.5º S) experience 24 hours of daylight.

March
21

Orbital View
Equatorial View
NY Sun's Path

• Spring Equinox
• Noon Sun Overhead at 0º (Equator)
• New York Sunrise to the East, New York Sunset to the West
• New York Noon Sun at approximately 48.5º Altitude, to the South
• All locations on Earth experience 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of darkness.