Lesson 15 of 19
The longest and shortest days
Show on a big screenSome days are long and some are short. One day a year is the longest. One day a year is the shortest.
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The idea
Step 1 of 4
- One year in the north.
- The longest day is the summer solstice.
- The shortest day is the winter solstice.
- Day and night are about equal on the two equinoxes.
In the north, the longest day is near 21 June. The shortest is near 22 December.
Near 21 June, the north leans most toward the Sun. So that day is the longest. Near 22 December, the north leans most away. So that day is the shortest.
The equinoxes fall near 21 March and 23 September.
The equator is the line round Earth's middle.
Near the equator, the day stays about 12 hours all year. At the North Pole, the Sun is up all day in June.
Try the lab to finish this lesson.