12
Plotting
the Ecliptic on the Celestial Sphere
•The ecliptic is tilted
relative to the celestial equator by 23.5o
•The sun is at the
northernmost point on the ecliptic on June 22 – a time and location called the SUMMER SOLSTICE
•The Sun is at the
southernmost point on the ecliptic on Dec. 22 – a time and location called the WINTER SOLSTICE
•The Sun just crossing the
equator going N on March 21 – a time
and location called the VERNAL EQUINOX
The Sun is just crossing the equator going S on
Sept. 22 – a time and location called the AUTUMNAL EQUINOX
(From our Text:
Horizons, by Seeds)