What is the difference between an equinox and a solstice?

Question: What is the difference between an equinox and a solstice?

The main difference between an equinox and a solstice lies in how they relate to the Earth's tilt and position in its orbit around the Sun:

1. Equinox:

   - An equinox occurs twice a year, around March 21 (spring/vernal equinox) and September 23 (autumnal equinox).

   - On these days, the Sun is directly above the equator, resulting in nearly equal lengths of day and night across the globe.

   - Equinoxes mark the transition between the seasons of spring and autumn.

2. Solstice:

   - A solstice also happens twice a year, around June 21 (summer solstice) and December 21 (winter solstice).

   - During a solstice, the Earth's tilt causes the Sun to be at its farthest point north or south of the equator, creating the longest day (summer solstice) or the shortest day (winter solstice) of the year.

   - Solstices signify the peaks of summer and winter.

In short, equinoxes are about balance in day and night, while solstices represent extremes in daylight. 

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