During what days of the year is the Sun directly above the equator? Mark all that apply.

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BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

To begin, consider what it means for the Sun to be directly above the equator: that occurs when the Sun crosses the celestial equator, causing day and night to be of roughly equal length. 
Option 1: Summer solstice. This is the point in the year when the Sun is at its highest path in the sky in the Northern Hemisphere, typically around June 21, not at the equator. Therefore, this choice is incorrect for being directly above the equator. 
Option 2: Winter solstice. This marks the shortest day of the year, around December 21, when the Sun reaches its lowest apparent position in the sky for the Northern Hemisphere, not the equator. Hence, this option is also incorrect. 
Option 3: Autumnal equinox. The autumnal (or fall) equinox occurs in the autumn when the Sun crosses the celestial equator and the length of day and night becomes roughly equal again. This matches the definition of the Sun being directly above the equator, so this option is correct. 
Option 4: Vernal equinox. The vernal (or spring) equinox occurs in spring and similarly marks the Sun crossing the celestial equator with nearly equal day and night lengths. This aligns with the Sun being directly above the equator, making this option correct as well. 
In summary, the two equinox dates correspond to the Sun being directly above the equator, while the solstices do not. The correct choices are the autumnal equinox and the vernal equinox, and the others describe solstice events rather than equinoxes.

ASTR-1-45046-F25 Lecture: Timekeeping

During what days of the year is the Sun directly above the equator? Mark all that apply.

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