When does the Northern Hemisphere receive the fewest direct rays from the Sun?

• A. During the summer solstice
• B. During the autumnal equinox
• C. During the winter solstice
• D. During the vernal equinox

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of Earth's axial tilt: The Earth is tilted at an angle of approximately 23.5 degrees relative to its orbit around the Sun. This tilt causes different parts of the Earth to receive varying amounts of sunlight throughout the year.
2. Learn about solstices and equinoxes: Solstices occur when the Sun reaches its highest or lowest point in the sky at noon, marking the longest and shortest days of the year. Equinoxes occur when day and night are approximately equal in length.
3. Focus on the winter solstice: The winter solstice occurs around December 21st in the Northern Hemisphere. During this time, the North Pole is tilted farthest away from the Sun, resulting in the fewest direct rays reaching the Northern Hemisphere.
4. Compare with other options: During the summer solstice, the Northern Hemisphere receives the most direct rays from the Sun. During the autumnal and vernal equinoxes, the Sun's rays are distributed more evenly across the Earth, and neither hemisphere receives the fewest direct rays.
5. Conclude that the correct answer is the winter solstice, as it is the time when the Northern Hemisphere receives the least direct sunlight due to the Earth's axial tilt.