The winter solstice occurs around which date range?

The winter solstice occurs around which date range?

• A. September 22 or 23
• B. December 21 or 22
• C. June 20 or 21
• D. March 20 or 21

Answer: (B)

The main idea being tested is when the shortest day of the year happens. The winter solstice occurs when the tilt of Earth's axis is such that the Sun is at its southernmost point in the sky for the year, producing the least daylight in the Northern Hemisphere. Because the exact moment shifts with the calendar and our orbital timing, it typically falls on December 21 or 22, and occasionally can be on December 23. The other dates correspond to different seasonal markers: September 22–23 marks the autumnal equinox, June 20–21 marks the summer solstice, and March 20–21 marks the vernal equinox. So December 21 or 22 is the best fit for the winter solstice.

The main idea being tested is when the shortest day of the year happens. The winter solstice occurs when the tilt of Earth's axis is such that the Sun is at its southernmost point in the sky for the year, producing the least daylight in the Northern Hemisphere. Because the exact moment shifts with the calendar and our orbital timing, it typically falls on December 21 or 22, and occasionally can be on December 23. The other dates correspond to different seasonal markers: September 22–23 marks the autumnal equinox, June 20–21 marks the summer solstice, and March 20–21 marks the vernal equinox. So December 21 or 22 is the best fit for the winter solstice.