Latitude and Longitude Lines

Equinox Days – Explained

Equinox means “equal night.” It refers to the two days in a year when day and night are approximately equal all over the world.

Equinox Days

1. March 21 – Vernal (Spring) Equinox

2. September 23 – Autumnal (Fall) Equinox

Explanation:

• The Equator divides the Earth into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.

• It is the widest circumference of the Earth.

• The Sun is directly overhead at the Equator during equinoxes (March 21 and September 23).

Key Point:

• It is the imaginary line that divides the Earth into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.

• All latitudes are measured north or south from the Equator (0°).

Key Points:

• They run parallel to the Equator.

• Measure the angular distance north or south of the Equator in degrees (0° to 90°).

• Major lines of latitude include:

  • Equator – 0°

  • Tropic of Cancer – 23½° North

  • Tropic of Capricorn – 23½° South

  • Arctic Circle – 66½° North

  • Antarctic Circle – 66½° South

  • North Pole – 90° North

  • South Pole – 90° South

Key Features

• Sun is directly overhead at the Tropic of Cancer (23½° North latitude)

• It is the longest day and shortest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere

• Marks the beginning of summer in the Northern Hemisphere

• Opposite in the Southern Hemisphere (it experiences winter solstice)