• Question: Why do we have summer and winter solstice?

    Asked by jackboothexplodes to Cesar, Emily, Jamie, Kate, Philippa on 20 Jun 2011.
    • Photo: Jamie Gallagher

      Jamie Gallagher answered on 15 Jun 2011:

      I’m afraid I would have to look this up- so I won’t pretend I know.
      If I am right the solstice is about the longest and shortest day. If that is right then it is to do with the tilt of the earth….. I shall let one of the others have a go. If no joy then I shall read up for you.

    • Photo: Kate Clancy

      Kate Clancy answered on 15 Jun 2011:

      Jamie, I’m pretty sure you had it right. Summer solstice is the longest day of the year, and I *think* that means your hemisphere is tilted *toward* the sun, yes? And winter solstice is the shortest, and when your hemisphere is tilted *away* from the sun.

      But yes, this is one of those questions we are capable of Googling for you, but isn’t any of our specialties.

    • Photo: Philippa Demonte

      Philippa Demonte answered on 20 Jun 2011:

      @jackboothexplodes I don’t know the answer either, but @Cesar might.

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