The seasons There are seasons because the Earth's axis of rotation is tilted and the angle at which the Sun's rays reach the Earth changes during the year. This angle changes depending on the position of the Earth in its orbit. Equinoxes and solstices mark the beginning of each season . They are dif ferent in each hemisphere. Equinox Solstice The seasons in the Northern Hemisphere During an equinox, day and night are the same duration in both hemispheres: 12 hours. The Sun's rays are perpendicular at the Equator. The area of daylight is the same size in both hemispheres. During a solstice, it is the longest day in one hemisphere and the longest night in the other hemisphere. The Sun's rays are perpendicular in one hemisphere. The larger area of daylight is in the Northern Hemisphere. The smaller area of daylight is in the Southern Hemisphere. Spring Winter Autumn Summer Spring equinox Around 20th March. Autumn equinox Around 22nd September. Winter solstice Around 21st December. Days are longest in the Southern Hemisphere. Summer solstice Around 20th June. Days are longest in the Northern Hemisphere. 20 1. Earth
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