Shortest Day

Winter Solstice Quiz: the winter solstice occurs when there is maximum tilt of one of the Earth's poles away from the sun

1. When is the exact date of the Winter Solstice in the northern-hemisphere in 2023?
2. The word 'solstice' comes from the Latin 'solstitium' meaning what?
3. Arranged to frame the sunset at winter solstice, the enormous sarsen stones of Stonehenge sit on which chalk plateau?
4. Midwinter Day is an annual celebration on which continent?








5. True or false? The winter solstice is on the same day every year?
6. In which month of the year does the winter solstice occur in the Southern Hemisphere?
7. In most cultures, the winter solstice marks what?
8. How many times a year does the winter solstice happen each year?
9. The winter solstice marks the beginning of winter. What marks the end of winter?
10. The most popular holiday on the Roman calendar, can you name the winter solstice celebration of ancient Rome?
11. Can you name the prehistoric monument in County Meath, Ireland, that is aligned on the winter solstice sunrise?

Answers

1. Friday 22 December 2023
2. Sun stands still
3. Salisbury Plain
4. Antarctica
5. False (in the Northern Hemisphere it can be on December 21, 22 or 23 but no other dates)
6. June
7. The beginning of winter
8. Twice (in the Northern Hemisphere in December and the Southern Hemisphere in June)
9. The vernal equinox
10. Saturnalia
11. Newgrange