Which solar events mark the two points where the ecliptic crosses the celestial equator?
Answer
Vernal (spring) equinox and the autumnal equinox
The vernal (spring) equinox and the autumnal equinox represent the exact moments when the ecliptic plane intersects the celestial equator. At these two points, the Sun’s declination is zero, meaning it is directly above the Earth's equator. In contrast, the summer solstice occurs when the Sun reaches its highest point (maximum northern declination) above the celestial equator, and the winter solstice occurs when it reaches its lowest point (maximum southern declination).
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