Question

in the northern hemisphere, what day is represented by this diagram?
a. vernal equinox
b. summer solstice
c. autumnal equinox
d. winter solstice

Explanation:

• Vernal equinox: Occurs around March 20 - 21. On this day, the sun is directly above the equator, and day and night are approximately equal in length.
• Summer solstice: Around June 20 - 21. In the northern hemisphere, it is the longest day of the year as the sun is at its highest point in the sky (most direct sunlight on the Tropic of Cancer).
• Autumnal equinox: Around September 22 - 23. Similar to the vernal equinox, the sun is directly above the equator, and day and night are approximately equal.
• Winter solstice: Around December 21 - 22. In the northern hemisphere, it is the shortest day of the year as the sun is at its lowest point in the sky (most direct sunlight on the Tropic of Capricorn).

Looking at the diagram (assuming the sun's rays are hitting the Tropic of Capricorn - which is characteristic of the winter solstice in the northern hemisphere as the northern hemisphere is tilted away from the sun).

Answer:

D. winter solstice