Seasons and sky
Astronomical Season
Direct answer
Astronomical Season: An Astronomical Season is one of four intervals bounded by equinoxes and solstices, defined by Earth's orbital position and axial orientation relative to the Sun.
An Astronomical Season runs from one equinox or solstice to the next.
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At a glance
- Found in
- Seasons & Earth Almanac
- Related
- Meteorological Season, Equinox, Solstice, Sunrise
An Astronomical Season runs from one equinox or solstice to the next.
A Sun-Earth orientation for seasonal, atmospheric, tidal, and terrestrial terms.
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The story behind Astronomical Season
Solstices and equinoxes have anchored seasonal calendars and observations across many cultures for thousands of years.
Why Astronomical Season matters
Astronomical seasons connect the calendar with measurable Earth-Sun geometry, but their lengths and civil start dates vary slightly.
Astronomical Season in practice: an example
The June solstice begins astronomical summer in the Northern Hemisphere and winter in the Southern Hemisphere.
Where readings of Astronomical Season go wrong
The usual misreading is to use a Northern Hemisphere season label as if it applied globally.
Sources and editorial method
Research references used for this entry include:
- NOAA NCEI: Meteorological Versus Astronomical Seasons - Official comparison of seasons defined by Earth-Sun geometry and by climatological month groups.
- U.S. Naval Observatory: The Seasons and the Earth's Orbit - Official explanation of seasons, orbital distance, and Earth-Sun geometry.
- Source
- The Great Almanac Dictionary
- Category
- Seasons & Earth Almanac
- Last updated
- 2026-09-26
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Common questions
What is an Astronomical Season?
An Astronomical Season is one of four intervals bounded by equinoxes and solstices, defined by Earth's orbital position and axial orientation relative to the Sun.
What do people get wrong about an Astronomical Season?
The usual misreading is to use a Northern Hemisphere season label as if it applied globally.
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