the sun\u2019s paths at the solstices<\/a>. But what is happening in the heavens? Here\u2019s what to know about the Earth\u2019s orbit.<\/p>\nWhat is the solstice?<\/p>\n
As the Earth travels around the sun, it does so at an angle, making the sun\u2019s warmth and light fall unequally on the northern and southern halves of the planet for most of the year.<\/p>\n
The solstices mark the times when the Earth\u2019s tilt toward or away from the sun is at its maximum. This means the hemispheres are getting very different amounts of sunlight \u2014 and days and nights are at their most unequal.<\/p>\n
At the Northern Hemisphere\u2019s winter solstice the upper half of the Earth is at its furthest lean away from the sun \u2014 leading to the shortest day and longest night of the year. The winter solstice falls can fall between Dec. 20 and 23 \u2014 this year it\u2019s the 21st.<\/p>\n
The opposite happens at a Northern Hemisphere summer solstice: The upper half of the Earth is leaning toward the sun, creating the longest day and shortest night of the year. This solstice falls between June 20 and 22.<\/p>\n
What is the equinox?<\/p>\n
During the equinox, the Earth\u2019s axis and its orbit align so that both hemispheres get an equal amount of sunlight.<\/p>\n
The word equinox comes from two Latin words meaning equal and night. That\u2019s because on the equinox, day and night last almost the same amount of time \u2014 though one may get a few extra minutes, depending on where you are on the planet.<\/p>\n
The Northern Hemisphere\u2019s fall \u2014 or autumnal \u2014 equinox can land between Sept. 21 and 24, depending on the year. Its spring \u2014 or vernal \u2014 equinox can land between March 19 and 21.<\/p>\n
What\u2019s the difference between meteorological and astronomical seasons?<\/p>\n
These are just two different ways to carve up the year.<\/p>\n
While astronomical seasons depend on how the Earth moves around the sun, meteorological seasons are defined by the weather. Meteorologists break down the year into three-month seasons based on annual temperature cycles. By that calendar, spring starts on March 1, summer on June 1, fall on Sept. 1 and winter on Dec. 1.<\/p>\n
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