Which one of the following statements about the winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere is correct?

Introduction / Context:

This question checks basic knowledge of Earth movements and seasons, focusing on the winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere. Understanding solstices and equinoxes is essential in geography and general science because they explain changes in day length, seasonal temperature patterns and polar day or night. The winter solstice marks a key turning point in the annual cycle.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question refers specifically to the winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere.
• The Earth axis is tilted by about 23.5 degrees relative to its orbital plane around the Sun.
• During the winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere, the North Pole is tilted away from the Sun.
• We assume average dates and conditions, not small year to year variations.

Concept / Approach:

Solstices occur when the Sun apparent path reaches its greatest angular distance north or south of the equator. For the Northern Hemisphere, the winter solstice usually falls around 21 or 22 December. At this time the Sun shines more directly over the Tropic of Capricorn, and the North Pole is tilted away from the Sun. As a result, high latitudes in the north experience very short days, and areas around the North Pole can have continuous darkness, known as polar night. The key is to match these known facts with the options provided.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

An alternative check is to visualise a globe tilted so that the Northern Hemisphere leans away from the Sun. Sunlight falls more on the Southern Hemisphere, giving it summer and producing long days at the South Pole. The opposite occurs in the north. Reference diagrams in school geography textbooks confirm that during the Northern Hemisphere winter solstice, the North Pole remains in darkness for a full rotation. This directly supports the correct option.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

The statement that the South Pole experiences 24 hours of darkness is wrong for the Northern Hemisphere winter solstice because at that time the South Pole has continuous daylight. The claim that it occurs on June 21 is reversed and refers roughly to the Northern Hemisphere summer solstice. The assertion that the Sun is at aphelion is incorrect, as aphelion is in early July and perihelion, the closest point, is in early January. The option that day length in the Northern Hemisphere is maximum describes the summer solstice, not the winter solstice.

Common Pitfalls:

Students may confuse the dates of solstices and mix up conditions in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. Another pitfall is to associate aphelion and perihelion directly with hot or cold seasons, which is misleading because seasons are governed mainly by axial tilt. Memorising a simple summary table of solstices and equinoxes, together with polar conditions, can help avoid these errors in exams.

Final Answer:

The correct statement about the winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere is: The North Pole experiences 24 hours of darkness.