What Do You Know About Summer Solstice? Trivia Quiz
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Trivia quiz for the longest day of the year! The summer solstice occurs on Tuesday, June 20, at 8:24 p. M. AKDT. In the northern hemisphere, the sun reaches its highest elevation, with a stretch of sunlight that lasts for 17 hours. This will be the longest day of the year. Let’s test your solstice knowledge! All the best!
Questions and Answers
- 1.
The word “solstice” comes from the Latin “Solstitium” which means…?
- A.
Sun shines brightest
- B.
Sun stands still
- C.
Sun changes path
Correct Answer
B. Sun stands stillExplanation
The word "solstice" comes from the Latin word "Solstitium," which means "sun stands still." This refers to the astronomical event when the sun reaches its highest or lowest point in the sky at noon, resulting in the shortest or longest day of the year. During the solstice, the sun appears to pause in its motion before reversing its direction. This term is used to describe the two points in the year when the sun's apparent position in the sky reaches its extreme and then reverses.Rate this question:
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- 2.
The astronomical year is split into four seasons but they aren’t all of the equal lengths. Which season is the longest?
- A.
Summer
- B.
Autumn
- C.
Spring
- D.
Winter
Correct Answer
A. SummerExplanation
Earth doesn’t move at a constant speed within its elliptical orbit. The time between June Solstice and the September Equinox is 93.6 days; March Equinox to June Solstice is 92.8 days; September Equinox to December Solstice is 89.8 days and the December Solstice to March Equinox is 89.0 days.Rate this question:
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- 3.
The June solstice can occur between June 20 and 22, but June 22 solstices are rare. The last one occurred in 1975. When will the solstice next land on June 22?
- A.
2020
- B.
2031
- C.
2144
- D.
2203
Correct Answer
D. 2203Explanation
The dates vary mainly because of the calendar system, which doesn’t specifically match Earth’s orbit and includes normal years and leap years.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Though we celebrate the day, June solstice occurs at one specific moment. Is it…?
- A.
The moment when Earth is closest to the sun.
- B.
The moment when the sun is directly over the Tropic of Cancer.
- C.
The moment when the sun is directly over the Tropic of Capricorn.
- D.
The moment when the sun's rays hit the Arctic Circle.
Correct Answer
B. The moment when the sun is directly over the Tropic of Cancer.Explanation
The farthest north the sun’s rays will hit at a direct (90 degree) angle is the Tropic of Cancer.Rate this question:
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- 5.
After gaining daylight since the December Solstice, on June 21, locations in the Northern Hemisphere start to lose daylight. How much daylight will Anchorage, Alaska, lose on that day?
- A.
2 seconds
- B.
1 minute, 45 seconds
- C.
11 seconds
- D.
59 seconds
Correct Answer
A. 2 secondsExplanation
As the Northern Hemisphere gains daylight from the December Solstice to June 21, it eventually starts to lose daylight. On June 21, Anchorage, Alaska, will lose a small amount of daylight, specifically 2 seconds. This is because the summer solstice marks the longest day of the year, after which the days gradually start to shorten. The loss of daylight on this day is minimal, but it signifies the beginning of a gradual decrease in daylight hours.Rate this question:
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- 6.
How much daylight will "Utqiaġvik", the northernmost city in Alaska, lose on June 21?
- A.
5 minutes, 44 seconds
- B.
35 seconds
- C.
0 seconds
- D.
2 minutes, 23 seconds
Correct Answer
C. 0 secondsExplanation
Utqiaġvik will not lose any daylight, until after the first sunset later this year.Rate this question:
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- 7.
When will the sun set next in Utqiaġvik?
- A.
July 23, 2017
- B.
August 2, 2017
- C.
October 30, 2017
- D.
September 23, 2017
Correct Answer
B. August 2, 2017Explanation
Utqiaġvik, formerly known as Barrow, is located in Alaska and experiences the phenomenon of the midnight sun during the summer months. This means that the sun remains visible for 24 hours a day. However, on August 2, 2017, the sun will finally set in Utqiaġvik after the continuous daylight period, marking the end of the midnight sun and the beginning of the polar night.Rate this question:
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- 8.
According to the Pagan Celtic year, there are four ‘lesser’ holidays. Which isn’t one of them?
- A.
Imbolc
- B.
Yule
- C.
Summer Solstice
- D.
Vernal equinox
Correct Answer
A. ImbolcExplanation
According to the Pagan Celtic year, the four "lesser" holidays are Imbolc, Summer Solstice, Vernal equinox, and Yule. Therefore, Imbolc is not one of the "lesser" holidays in the Pagan Celtic year.Rate this question:
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- 9.
In places that are north of the Arctic Circle, like northern Alaska, the sun doesn't set below the horizon for 24 hours on the solstice. What's the phenomenon known as?
- A.
The Aurora Borealis
- B.
Midnight sun
- C.
The Transit of Venus
- D.
None
Correct Answer
B. Midnight sunExplanation
In places north of the Arctic Circle, like northern Alaska, the sun doesn't set below the horizon for 24 hours on the solstice. This phenomenon is known as the "midnight sun." During this time, the sun remains visible at midnight, creating a continuous daylight experience. The term "midnight sun" refers to the sun's position in the sky, where it is visible even at midnight due to the tilt of the Earth's axis.Rate this question:
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- 10.
The summer solstice kicked off the countdown to what ancient Greek event?
- A.
The chariot races
- B.
The circus games
- C.
The Olympics
- D.
None
Correct Answer
A. The chariot racesExplanation
The summer solstice marked the beginning of the countdown to the chariot races in ancient Greece. This event was highly anticipated and celebrated, attracting participants and spectators from all over. The chariot races were a significant part of Greek culture and were held in honor of various gods and goddesses. They were known for their fierce competition and were considered a prestigious and important event in ancient Greek society.Rate this question:
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