Which two days have about the same amount of daylight in the Northern Hemisphere?
A. winter and summer solstice
B. autumnal and vernal equinox
C. summer solstice and vernal equinox
D. winter solstice and autumnal equinox
B. autumnal and vernal equinox
The correct answer is D. winter solstice and autumnal equinox. During these two days, the amount of daylight in the Northern Hemisphere is approximately the same.
To determine which two days have about the same amount of daylight in the Northern Hemisphere, we need to understand the concepts of solstice and equinox.
The solstices occur twice a year, in summer and winter. The summer solstice usually falls around June 21st, while the winter solstice occurs around December 21st. On the summer solstice, the Northern Hemisphere is tilted towards the Sun, resulting in the longest day and the shortest night of the year. Conversely, during the winter solstice, the Northern Hemisphere is tilted away from the Sun, resulting in the shortest day and the longest night of the year.
The equinoxes also occur twice a year, in autumn and spring. The autumnal (fall) equinox typically happens around September 22nd, while the vernal (spring) equinox occurs around March 21st. During the equinoxes, the Northern Hemisphere experiences approximately equal day and night lengths.
Based on this information, the two days that have about the same amount of daylight in the Northern Hemisphere are the autumnal and vernal equinoxes. Therefore, the correct answer is B. autumnal and vernal equinox.