1.
How many times a year does the winter solstice happen?
Correct Answer
B. Two
Explanation
The winter solstice happens twice a year. It occurs when the Earth's axial tilt is farthest away from the sun, resulting in the shortest day and longest night of the year. This phenomenon typically takes place around December 21st in the Northern Hemisphere and around June 21st in the Southern Hemisphere. Therefore, there are two occurrences of the winter solstice each year.
2.
What is the "winter solstice" also known as?
Correct Answer
A. Hibernal solstice
Explanation
The "winter solstice" is also known as the hibernal solstice. This term refers to the point in time when the Earth's axial tilt is farthest away from the sun, resulting in the shortest day and longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. It marks the official beginning of winter and is an important astronomical event celebrated by various cultures around the world.
3.
What time of the year does the winter solstice occur in the Northern Hemisphere?
Correct Answer
A. December 21 or 22
Explanation
The winter solstice occurs in the Northern Hemisphere on December 21 or 22. This is the day with the shortest amount of daylight and the longest night of the year. It marks the official start of winter and is caused by the tilt of the Earth's axis. During the winter solstice, the North Pole is tilted furthest away from the sun, resulting in less direct sunlight and colder temperatures in the Northern Hemisphere.
4.
What time of the year does the winter solstice occur in the Southern Hemisphere?
Correct Answer
C. June 20 or 21
Explanation
The winter solstice occurs in the Southern Hemisphere on June 20 or 21. This is because during this time, the South Pole is tilted furthest away from the Sun, resulting in the shortest day and longest night of the year. It marks the official start of winter in the Southern Hemisphere.
5.
The term "solstice" originates from?
Correct Answer
B. Latin
Explanation
The term "solstice" originates from Latin. Latin was the language spoken by the ancient Romans, who had a significant influence on Western culture and science. The word "solstice" comes from the Latin words "sol" meaning "sun" and "sistere" meaning "to stand still." This refers to the phenomenon during which the sun appears to reach its highest or lowest point in the sky, resulting in the longest or shortest day of the year. Latin has been widely used in scientific, medical, and legal fields, and many scientific terms have their roots in this language.
6.
What does the word "solstitium" stand for?
Correct Answer
C. The sun stands still
Explanation
The word "solstitium" refers to the phenomenon of the sun standing still. This term is derived from the Latin words "sol" meaning sun and "stitium" meaning standing still. It is used to describe the two points in the year when the sun reaches its highest or lowest point in the sky, appearing to pause or stand still before reversing its direction.
7.
Which of these is not a winter solstice tradition?
Correct Answer
D. Holi, India
Explanation
Holi is not a winter solstice tradition because it is a Hindu festival celebrated in spring, usually in March. It is known as the festival of colors and marks the arrival of spring and the end of winter. On this day, people celebrate by throwing colored powders and water at each other, dancing, and enjoying festive food. Winter Solstice Lantern Festival in Vancouver, Shab-e Yalda in Iran, and Dong Zhi in China are all winter solstice traditions celebrated in their respective cultures.
8.
How long does the solstice position last?
Correct Answer
A. About one minute
Explanation
The solstice position refers to the point at which the sun appears to be at its highest or lowest point in the sky during the summer or winter solstice. This position lasts for a very short duration, typically around one minute. During this time, the sun reaches its maximum or minimum altitude before changing direction and starting to move in the opposite direction. Therefore, the correct answer is "About one minute."
9.
In most countries and cultures, the winter solstice marks the.....
Correct Answer
A. Beginning of winter
Explanation
The winter solstice is the shortest day and longest night of the year, occurring in December in the Northern Hemisphere. It marks the official start of winter, as it is the point when the sun is at its lowest point in the sky. After the winter solstice, the days gradually start getting longer, indicating the end of winter and the beginning of the transition towards spring. Therefore, the correct answer is "Beginning of winter."
10.
How does the winter solstice occur?
Correct Answer
B. It occurs when there is maximum tilt of one of the Earth's poles away from the sun
Explanation
The winter solstice occurs when there is maximum tilt of one of the Earth's poles away from the sun. This is because the Earth's axis is tilted relative to its orbit around the sun. During the winter solstice, the hemisphere that is tilted away from the sun experiences its longest night and shortest day of the year. This tilt causes the sun's rays to be spread out over a larger area, resulting in less direct sunlight and cooler temperatures.