Multiple choice general knowledge

The solstice is

  1. the point at which the Sun is closest to Earth

  2. the point at which the Sun reaches its greatest distance north or south of the equator

  3. the seasons

  4. the point at which the Sun reaches its greatest distance east or west of the prime meridian

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

A solstice occurs when the Sun reaches its maximum declination - its farthest point north or south of the celestial equator. The summer solstice happens when the Sun is directly overhead at the Tropic of Cancer (23.5°N), and the winter solstice when it's over the Tropic of Capricorn (23.5°S). Option A describes perihelion (closest approach), not solstice. Option C is too vague - solstices mark the beginning of seasons, not the seasons themselves. Option D incorrectly references longitude instead of latitude.