Q 01/05

What astronomical event typically marks the beginning of spring in the Northern Hemisphere?

A) Summer Solstice

B) Vernal Equinox

C) Autumnal Equinox

D) Winter Solstice

Answer · why

B) Vernal Equinox

The Sun crosses the celestial equator heading north somewhere between 19 and 21 March. Because clocks in the Americas run behind UTC, people there can...

Q 02/05

Under the old solar reckoning still reflected in Celtic tradition, on what date does spring begin?

A) 1 February

B) 1 March

C) 21 March

D) 1 April

Answer · why

A) 1 February

In this scheme the solstices and equinoxes fall in the middle of each season, which is why the June solstice is called Midsummer. Spring runs until Ma...

Q 03/05

Astronomically, spring in the Northern Hemisphere concludes with the occurrence of which event?

A) Summer Solstice

B) Winter Solstice

C) Autumnal Equinox

D) Vernal Equinox

Answer · why

A) Summer Solstice

Daylight keeps lengthening through the season until the solstice around 21 June, the longest day of the year in the north.

Q 04/05

When does astronomical spring typically begin in the Southern Hemisphere?

A) March Equinox

B) June Solstice

C) December Solstice

D) September Equinox

Answer · why

D) September Equinox

South of the equator the seasons flip, so Australians, South Africans and Brazilians count September, October and November as their spring months.

Q 05/05

The term 'equinox' is derived from Latin words meaning what?

A) 'New day'

B) 'Sun high'

C) 'Equal night'

D) 'Changing light'

Answer · why

C) 'Equal night'

The word 'equinox' comes from the Latin words 'aequus' (equal) and 'nox' (night), referring to the approximate equal length of day and night experienc...