A season refers to a period of the year distinguished by a specific set of weather patterns, temperatures, and daylight hours. On Earth, there are generally four seasons: spring, summer, fall (or autumn), and winter. Each season is associated with particular climatological changes and unique environmental traits.
Equinox:
An equinox is a celestial event that occurs twice a year when the Earth's equator intersects the center of the sun, resulting in nearly equal durations of daylight and darkness. The word "equinox" comes from the Latin words "aequus" (meaning "equal") and "nox" (meaning "night"). This term specifically refers to two dates during the year:
1. March or Spring Equinox: This occurs around March 20 or 21 when the Earth's Northern and Southern Hemispheres experience roughly equal hours of daylight and nighttime. Spring begins in the Northern Hemisphere, while autumn starts in the Southern Hemisphere.
2. September or Autumn Equinox: This event happens around September 22 or 23. Here again, both hemispheres receive approximately equal periods of daylight and darkness, marking the onset of autumn in the Northern Hemisphere and spring in the Southern Hemisphere.
Solstice:
A solstice, on the other hand, is an astronomical event that happens twice a year when the sun reaches either its highest or lowest point in the sky as viewed from Earth's poles. The term "solstice" is derived from Latin: "sol" (meaning "sun") and "sistere" (meaning "to stand still"). There are two solstices in a year:
1. June or Summer Solstice: This occurs around June 20 or 21. The Northern Hemisphere experiences the longest period of daylight and shortest period of darkness, marking the official beginning of summer. Meanwhile, the Southern Hemisphere undergoes its shortest day and longest night, starting its winter season.
2. December or Winter Solstice: This event happens near December 21 or 22. The Northern Hemisphere endures its most prolonged stretch of darkness and shortest day, indicating the start of winter. In contrast, the Southern Hemisphere enjoys its longest day and briefest night, signifying the commencement of summer.
In short, the words season, equinox, and solstice are all related to the Earth's orbit around the sun and its rotational axis. They describe specific periods and events in the year that are characterized by distinct patterns of daylight, darkness, and seasonal changes in the climate.