Earth has seasons because it revolves around the Sun on a tilted axis.
Equinox
An equinox occurs twice a year when the Earth's tilt is parallel to the Sun and both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres receive approximately the same amount of energy and daylight hours. This occurs during the fall and spring seasons.
- When it is spring in the Northern Hemisphere it is sometimes called the vernal equinox.
- When it is fall in the Northern Hemisphere it is sometimes called the autumnal equinox.
Solstice & Equinox Summary
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Topic Tips
- An equinox occurs twice a year when the Earth's tilt is parallel to the Sun and both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres receive approximately the same amount of energy and daylight hours.
- An equinox occurs during the fall and spring seasons.
- On a two dimensional diagram the equinox positions are typically represented on the top and bottom.