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

The Tropic of Cancer At its most 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. It is the farthest north of the celestial equator the Sun can get

Tropic of Capricorn A line or circle around the celestial sphere parallel to and 23°27’ south of the Celestial Equator is called the Tropic of Capricorn. It is the farthest south of the celestial equator the Sun can get

Solstices On June 20 th or 21 st 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 On December 20 th or 21 st 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. (All is reversed in the Southern Hemisphere)

Equinoxes Twice a year Halfway between the Solstices the Sun crosses the Celestial Equator. Worldwide the day and night are of equal length These are the Equinoxes In the Northern Hemisphere March 20 or 21 is the Vernal orSpring Equinox September 22 nd or 23 rd is the Fall or Autumnal Equinox

Constellations A constellation is a group of stars that are in the same general direction, thus they appear to be close to each other though they may be actually be far apart. Constellations make patterns that are recognizable and are given names based on what the patterns suggest, from bears to heroes from myths Constellations make it easier to keep track of the stars in the sky.

The Zodiac There are 12 constellations along the Ecliptic, together they are called The Zodiac. In Astrology your ‘Sun Sign” is the sign the Sun was in at your birth.

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