The following questions are from the “Microsoft Rewards Bing Homepage Quiz” for 12-21-2024. Let us know in the comments if you find the wrong answer to any question!!!
Question 1: Today is the winter solstice! This means it is the…
- Shortest day of the year
- Coldest day of winter
- Last day of winter
Correct Answer: Shortest day of the year
Fact: Last night was the longest night of the year north of the equator, and today, the day of the winter solstice, is the shortest day. On average, the Northern Hemisphere will have just seven hours and 40 minutes of daylight today. This event has been celebrated by many cultures around the world for millennia.
Question 2: What ancient monument is linked to the winter solstice?
- The Parthenon
- Stonehenge
- The Colosseum
Correct Answer: Stonehenge
Fact: Although Stonehenge still holds many mysteries, including who built it and why, one thing is certain: It marks the solstice. On the day of the winter solstice, the sunset is perfectly framed between one of the arches of Stonehenge. At the other end of the year, during the summer solstice, the stones on the opposite side of the monument align perfectly with the sunrise.
Question 3: What language does the word ‘solstice’ originate from?
- Greek
- Latin
- Sanskrit
Correct Answer: Latin
Fact: The word ‘solstice’ has its roots in Latin, with ‘sol’ meaning sun and ‘sistere’ meaning to stand still. This is because the sun appears to pause in its path during the solstice. The shortest day of the year was an important event for ancient Romans. In their calendar, the solstice occurred on December 25, and it was celebrated as the birthday of the sun god Sol Invictus.
— Additional Questions —
Question 4: Today’s image shows Santa’s official hometown. Which country are we in?
- Finland
- Norway
- Sweden
Correct Answer: Finland
Fact: Santa Claus Village is in Rovaniemi, the official hometown of Santa Claus in the heart of Finnish Lapland, right on the Arctic Circle.
Question 5: What unique experience can visitors enjoy at Santa Claus Village?
- Stepping over the Arctic Circle line
- Swimming in the Arctic Ocean
- Visiting an ice castle at the North Pole
Correct Answer: Stepping over the Arctic Circle line
Fact: At Rovaniemi’s Santa Claus Village, visitors can cross the Arctic Circle, the southernmost point at which the sun doesn’t rise on the winter solstice. In Santa Claus Village, this invisible boundary is marked with a line.
Question 6: In which state is the town of Santa Claus?
- Indiana
- Ohio
- Idaho
Correct Answer: Indiana
Fact: Santa Claus, in Spencer County, Indiana, was established in 1849. Because the town’s post office is the only one in the world to bear the name Santa Claus, it receives thousands of letters addressed to Santa each year. A group of volunteers called Santa’s Elves make sure that every child’s letter gets a reply.
did not know about the town of santa clause