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)