Constellations, Solstices, Equinoxes, Tropics and the Zodiac Along the Ecliptic Constellations, Solstices, Equinoxes, Tropics and the Zodiac

Remember! The ecliptic is the apparent path of the Sun on the celestial sphere as seen from the Earth’s center. The ecliptic also marks the Earth’s hottest climate area, called the Tropics.

Tropics At its highest point in the sky, the sun gets 23°27’ from the celestial equator, the same as Earth axial tilt.

A line or circle around the celestial sphere parallel to and 23°27’ north of the Celestial Equator is called the Tropic of Cancer.

A line or circle around the celestial sphere parallel to and 23°27’ south of the Celestial Equator is called the Tropic of Capricorn. These lines mark the northern and southern limits of the Ecliptic.

Solstices and Equinoxes

Solstices On June 20th or 21st the Sun reaches its northernmost point on the ecliptic. On this day, in the northern hemisphere the Sun follows its highest path and is up the longest. It is called the Summer Solstice.

(This is reversed in the Southern Hemisphere) On December 20th or 21st the Sun reaches its southernmost point on the ecliptic, follows its lowest path and is up the shortest time It is called the Winter Solstice. (This is reversed in the Southern Hemisphere)

Equinoxes Twice a year, halfway between the Solstices, the Sun crosses the Celestial Equator. World-wide, the day and night are of equal length.

Equinoxes in the Northern Hemisphere March 20th or 21st is the Vernal or Spring Equinox. September 22nd or 23rd is the Fall or Autumnal Equinox.

Constellations A constellation is a group of stars that appear to be grouped together on the celestial dome. Although they appear to be close to each other, they may be actually light years apart. “Orion.”

Constellations make it easier to keep track of the stars in the sky. Ursa major Constellations make it easier to keep track of the stars in the sky. Constellations make recognizable patterns and are given names based on what the patterns suggest, from bears to mythical heroes.

The Zodiac There are 12 constellations along the Ecliptic. Together they are called The Zodiac. In modern terms, your “Sun Sign” (in astrology) is the constellation the Sun was passing in front of at the time of your birth.

The Signs of the Zodiac Spring signs: Aries the ram, Taurus the bull, Gemini the twins. Summer signs: Cancer the crab, Leo the lion, Virgo the maiden. Fall signs: Libra the scales, Scorpio the scorpion, Sagittarius the archer. Winter signs: Capricorn the sea goat, Aquarius the water carrier, Pisces the fish.