Early European cultures (Celtic, Norse) often defined seasons by lunar cycles or specific festivals (e.g., Samhain as Nov 1). These are not aligned with Earth’s axial tilt.
Published by: The Science Desk Fact-Check Status: ✅ Verified against astronomical and meteorological standards (NASA, NOAA, Royal Greenwich Observatory) months for the seasons verified
In the 1900s, meteorologists realized that tracking climate data by astronomical solstices was impractical. A snowstorm on March 18th (astronomical winter) vs. March 22nd (astronomical spring) made annual comparisons impossible. Hence, the meteorological season was verified as the superior system for climate science. A snowstorm on March 18th (astronomical winter) vs
| Season | Verified Months (Southern Hemisphere) | |--------|----------------------------------------| | Spring | September, October, November | | Summer | December, January, February | | Autumn | March, April, May | | Winter | June, July, August | | Season | Verified Months (Southern Hemisphere) |