GK - Facts of Earth's Movement

• The Earth’s rotation on its axis causes day and night.

• The Earth’s revolution (in its orbit around the Sun) causes change in seasons.

• When nights and days are equal is known as ‘Equinoxes.’ During the equinox’s time, the Sun shines exactly over the equator.

• March 21 (of every year) is known as the vernal (spring) equinox and September 23 (of every year) is known as the autumnal equinox.

• When the difference between the length of day and night is maximum is known as ‘Solstice.’

• During the solstice time, the Sun shines over the tropics (either on Tropic of Cancer or Tropic Capricorn).

• 23.50⁰ North represents ‘Tropic of Cancer.’ On June 21, the Sun shines over the Tropic of Cancer and it is known as the longest day of the year.

• June 21 is known as the Summer Solstice.

• 23.50⁰ South represents ‘Tropic of Capricorn.’ On December 21, the Sun shines over the Tropic of Capricorn and it is known as the longest night of the year.

• December 21 is known as Winter Solstice.

• When light of a celestial body is obscured by another celestial body, the situation is known as ‘Eclipse.’

• When the Earth comes between the Sun and the Moon, it is known as “Lunar Eclipse.”

• When the Moon come between the Sun and the Earth, it is known as “Solar Eclipse.”