The equinox is the time when the subsolar point is at the equator, resulting in equal amounts of daylight and darkness (12 hours each) for all locations on Earth. It occurs twice a year, in March (spring equinox) and September (fall equinox). It is not the longest day of the year (that would be the summer solstice) and it occurs in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.

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The Equinox

Question 66

Multiple Choice

The equinox

A) has 12 hours of day and 12 hours of night for all locations.
B) occurs four times during the year.
C) is the longest day of the year at any given place.
D) occurs only in the Southern Hemisphere.
E) is when the subsolar point is at one of the tropics.

Correct Answer: