GED Science Practice

What phenomenon occurs during a Solstice?

1. Night lasts longer than day

2. Day lasts longer than night

3. No shadows are cast

4. Sun is closest to the Earth

The correct answer is: Day lasts longer than night

During a solstice, the tilt of the Earth's axis causes one hemisphere to receive more sunlight than the other, resulting in the longest day of the year in terms of daylight hours. In the Northern Hemisphere, this occurs during the summer solstice around June 21, when the North Pole is tilted closest to the sun. Conversely, during the winter solstice around December 21, the opposite hemisphere experiences the shortest day. The phenomenon is a direct effect of the Earth’s axial tilt of approximately 23.5 degrees, influencing the distribution of sunlight. This foundational knowledge of how the Earth orbits the sun helps understand the solstices' impact on seasonal changes. During the summer solstice, locations within the Arctic Circle may experience continuous daylight, further illustrating why this time is marked by extended daylight compared to night.