If the northern hemisphere is experiencing spring what season is it in the southern hemisphere

When do spring, summer, fall, and winter start and end? It depends on which definition you use and if you are north or south of the equator.

If the northern hemisphere is experiencing spring what season is it in the southern hemisphere

The four seasons are spring, summer, fall (autumn), and winter.

©bigstockphoto.com/iluzia

The Earth's axis is slightly tilted in relation to its orbit around the Sun. This is why we have seasons.

In most cultures, including all western countries, the year is commonly divided into four seasons:

  1. Spring
  2. Summer
  3. Fall or Autumn
  4. Winter

Since the year has 12 months, each season lasts about three months. However, the dates when the seasons begin and end vary depending on whom you ask. Two methods are most commonly used to define the dates of the seasons: the astronomical definition and the meteorological definition.

Astronomical Seasons

The astronomical definition uses the dates of equinoxes and solstices to mark the beginning and end of the seasons:

The beginning of each season marks the end of the last.

Because the timings of the equinoxes and solstices change each year, the length of astronomical seasons within a year and between years also vary.

Meteorological Seasons

According to the meteorological definition, the seasons begin on the first day of the months that include the equinoxes and solstices. In the Northern Hemisphere, for example,

  • spring runs from March 1 to May 31;
  • summer runs from June 1 to August 31;
  • fall (autumn) runs from September 1 to November 30; and
  • winter runs from December 1 to February 28 (February 29 in a leap year).

If the northern hemisphere is experiencing spring what season is it in the southern hemisphere

If the northern hemisphere is experiencing spring what season is it in the southern hemisphere

When the Northern Hemisphere gets most sunlight (summer), the Southern Hemisphere gets least (winter).

©timeanddate.com

Opposite Sides – Opposite Seasons

Seasons in the Southern Hemisphere are opposite to those in the Northern Hemisphere. For example, under the definition of astronomical seasons, the June solstice marks the start of summer in the Northern Hemisphere, but it is the start of winter in the Southern Hemisphere. The same rule applies for the other seasons.

The meteorological seasons in the Southern Hemisphere are also opposite to those in the Northern Hemisphere:

  • spring starts September 1 and ends November 30;
  • summer starts December 1 and ends February 28 (February 29 in a Leap Year);
  • fall (autumn) starts March 1 and ends May 31; and
  • winter starts June 1 and ends August 31;

Different Countries, Different Seasons

The question which definition to use divides countries and regions around the world. For example, Australia and New Zealand use the meteorological definition, so spring begins on September 1 each year. In many other countries, both definitions are used, depending on the context.

In Ireland, St Brigid's Day on February 1 is often thought to mark the beginning of spring in the ancient Celtic calendar system. Some cultures, especially those in South Asia have calendars that divide the year into six seasons, instead of the four that most of us are familiar with.

In Finland and Sweden, the dates of the seasons are not based on the calendar at all, but on temperatures. This means that the seasons within each county start and end on different dates, depending on the regions and their climate.

In Iceland, the first day of summer, a national holiday, falls on the first Thursday after April 18.

Topics: Astronomy, Seasons, March, June, September, December

Answer

If the northern hemisphere is experiencing spring what season is it in the southern hemisphere
Verified

Hint:> When the northern hemisphere has spring, the southern hemisphere experiences autumn.> As the duration of day increases in the northern hemisphere, the duration of the day decreases in the southern hemisphere.

Complete answer:

No matter what time of the year it is, the northern and the southern hemisphere will always experience a season opposite to the other. Therefore, if the northern hemisphere has the summer season, then the southern hemisphere will experience the winter season. When we say opposite we also mean that when it is spring season in the northern hemisphere, then it is autumn season in the southern hemisphere.The main reason for this phenomenon is the tilt of the earth on its axis. With respect to its orbital plane, the earth is tilted at an angle of 23.4 degrees. Since the earth is tilted slightly, one of the hemispheres will always receive more and direct rays from the sun. It means that when the earth is tilted towards the sun, then the northern hemisphere receives direct sun rays which are experienced by us as the summer season. During this time the southern hemisphere experiences the winter season. This phenomenon keeps alternating as the planet revolves around the sun. This summer season lasts for half a year, or rather half a revolution.In the second half of the revolution, the earth tilts away from the sun, thus exposing the southern hemisphere to the direct sun rays. This is the time when the northern hemisphere is experiencing winter season, the southern hemisphere is enjoying the summers. It is often said, ‘If you want to celebrate Christmas in summer, then go to Australia’. Well, this is because of the phenomenon that is explained above.

Therefore, the correct answer is B

Note:

> The tilt of the earth is also the reason why days are shorter during the winters and longer during the summers.> This difference is felt mildly at the equator and felt very drastically as we move towards higher latitudes.> At the poles this effect is so prominent that it remains daytime for half the year and nighttime for the next half of the year.


In southern hemisphere, summer is getting at its full speed. It will max on the eve of Summer Solstice (December) and after that, it will start to recede.

The Equator divides the Earth into northern and southern hemispheres. Therefore, as a result, if you are living in the places below the equator i.e in the southern hemisphere, you get to see totally different seasons as compared to the places above the equator i.e in the northern hemisphere. In other words, seasons in the southern hemisphere are opposite to the seasons in the northern hemisphere.

For example, when there is a summer season in the southern hemisphere, at the same time, there is a winter season in the northern hemisphere. Just to mention, I am only going to explain seasons in the southern hemisphere. However, you can check this article to know more about the seasons in the northern hemisphere and their bizarre consequences.

So, the question of this hour is how many seasons are there in the southern hemisphere? I mean, do we have four seasons, or do we have six seasons? Additionally, when do these seasons occur, or do their date changes every year? Most importantly, why do we observe seasons in the first place? Well, if you wanna get a detailed insight, I will suggest you stick with me till the end. Let’s dive right in…!!!

Why do we have seasons?

Just because the earth has an axial tilt of 23.4 degrees, we are able to observe different seasons. In fact, the earth’s tilt is also responsible for the seasonal mismatch between the northern and the southern hemisphere. So, here is my question for you…!!! What if there was no axial tilt?

If the northern hemisphere is experiencing spring what season is it in the southern hemisphere
Earth’s axial tilt (obliquity) is currently about 23.4°. Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Well, if there was no axial tilt, there won’t be any season on the earth’s surface. In fact, this formula is also applicable to all of the planets in our solar system. For example, Mercury doesn’t have any axial tilt. Therefore, as a result, it does not have any seasons.

On the other hand, Neptune has an axial tilt of 28.5 degrees. Therefore, as a result, Neptune does have noticeable seasonal changes. With this, we can move on to our next question…!!!

How many seasons are there?

Frankly speaking, different cultures have different ways to define that how many seasons are there. For example, as per Indians, (I am an Indian), we have 6 seasons in a calendar year. Since a calendar year has 12 months, therefore, we allot two months to each season.

These are Late Winter (mid-Jan to mid-March), Spring (mid-March to mid-May), Summer (mid-May to mid-July), Monsoon (mid-July to mid-September), Autumn (mid-Sept to mid-Nov), and, Early Winter (mid-Nov to mid-Jan).

However, if we talk about some common ground, as per fundamentally accepted seasons, we have only four seasons in a calendar year. Again, since a calendar year has 12 months, therefore, each season lasts about three months. These are Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter.

Definition of Seasons

There are two ways to define seasons. These are the astronomical and meteorological definitions of seasons. As per astronomy, the arrival of equinoxes and solstices marks the beginning as well as the end of the seasons in the southern hemisphere.

For example, not only June Solstice marks the official arrival of the first day of the winter in the southern hemisphere. But also marks the end of the fall in the southern hemisphere.

On the other hand, in meteorology, equinoxes and solstices are not considered for the seasonal definition. As per meteorological definitions, seasons start on the first day of the month. For example, the Winter season in the southern hemisphere starts on June 1 and stay till August 31.

Different Seasons in Southern Hemisphere

If the northern hemisphere is experiencing spring what season is it in the southern hemisphere
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons

There are four seasons that occur in the earth’s southern areas. Autumn occurs in the month of March. Then, winters in June, then, spring in September, and then, finally summers in December.

Not to mention, their start and end date change as per their astronomical and meteorological definitions. Let us get to know each one of them in detail. But before going ahead, take a look at the table given below.

Fall in Southern Hemisphere

If the northern hemisphere is experiencing spring what season is it in the southern hemisphere
An image of the first day of fall i.e autumn in Australia. Image Credit: Australian Broadcasting Corporation

Fall or Autumn in southern hemisphere comes in the month of March. On this day, the sun crosses over the imaginary celestial line from the south to the north direction. Therefore, as a result, the earth’s southern areas start to cool down rapidly. Hence, marking the end of the summer and the arrival of the first day of fall in the southern hemisphere.

Additionally, on the eve of March Equinox, daylight and nighttime hours become equal. And, after that, days will become shorter and shorter with each passing day. For the people of the southern hemisphere, this process of shorter days and longer nights will go on until the arrival of the June solstice which marks the end of the fall and the arrival of winters in Earth’s southern areas.

When does autumn/fall start in the southern hemisphere?

As per meteorological definition, the fall starts on March 1 and stays till May 31. However, as per astronomical definition, the first day of fall occurs on the eve of March Equinox. In 2022, March Equinox will occur on Monday, March 21, at sharp 03:33 Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT).

Winter in Southern Hemisphere

If the northern hemisphere is experiencing spring what season is it in the southern hemisphere
An image of the first day of winter i.e winter solstice in Australia. Image Credit: OLIVER PELLING

Hibernal Season or Winter in southern hemisphere comes in the month of June. On this day, the south pole of the earth is at its maximum tilt away from the sun. Therefore, as a result, the earth’s southern areas receive minimum sunlight. Hence, marking the darkest as well as the shortest day of the year in the southern hemisphere.

Additionally, on the eve of June Solstice, for the southerners, not only the sun’s orbital path across the sky will be as low as it can, but the sun will also enter the tropic of cancer on the eve of the June solstice.

When does winter start in the southern hemisphere?

As per meteorological definition, the winter starts on June 1 and stays till August 31. However, as per astronomical definition, the first day of winter occurs on the eve of the June Solstice. In 2022, June Solstice will occur on Tuesday, June 21, at sharp 20:14 Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST).

Spring in Southern Hemisphere

If the northern hemisphere is experiencing spring what season is it in the southern hemisphere
This is how Australia will look like after the occurrence of the September equinox. Image Credit: TripSavvy

Vernal Season or Spring in southern hemisphere comes in the month of September. On this day, the sun crosses over the imaginary celestial line from the north to the south direction. Therefore, as a result, the earth’s southern areas start to warm up rapidly. Hence, marks the end of winter and the arrival of the first day of spring in the southern hemisphere.

Additionally, on the eve of September Equinox, daylight and nighttime hours become equal. And, after that, days will become longer and longer with each passing day. For the people of the southern hemisphere, this process of longer days and shorter nights will go on until the arrival of the December solstice that marks the arrival of the Summer season in Earth’s southern areas.

When does spring start in the southern hemisphere?

As per meteorological definition, the spring starts on September 1 and stays till November 30. However, as per astronomical definition, the first day of spring occurs on the eve of September Equinox. In 2022, September Equinox will occur on Friday, September 23, at sharp 12:04 Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST).

Summer in Southern Hemisphere

If the northern hemisphere is experiencing spring what season is it in the southern hemisphere
A bird during the summer heat in the southern hemisphere

Estival Season or Summer in southern hemisphere comes in the month of December. On this day, the south pole of the earth is at its maximum tilt towards the sun. Therefore, as a result, the earth’s southern areas receive the maximum sunlight. Hence, marking the brightest as well as the longest day of the year in the southern hemisphere.

Additionally, on the eve of the December solstice, for the southerners, not only the sun’s orbital path across the sky will be as high as it can, but the sun also enters the tropic of Capricorn on the eve of the December solstice.

When does Summer start in the southern hemisphere?

As per meteorological definition, the summer starts on December 1 and stays till February 28 (February 29 in a Leap Year). However, as per astronomical definition, the first day of summer occurs on the eve of the December Solstice. In 2022, the December solstice will occur on Thursday, December 22, at sharp 08:48 Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT).

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