Question

which statement describes solstices?
they occur when the sun reaches its highest or lowest point in the sky.
they affect the amount of sunlight in the southern hemisphere in may.
they contribute to the cycling of winters all year long in the northern hemisphere.
they increase the amount of rays from the sun directly received in the southern hemisphere.

Explanation:

Solstices are the two annual points when the Sun reaches its extreme highest (summer solstice) or lowest (winter solstice) apparent positions in the sky, marking the start of summer and winter in respective hemispheres. The other options are incorrect: May falls near the Northern Hemisphere summer solstice, which reduces sunlight in the Southern Hemisphere; solstices mark the start of winter/summer, not year-round winter cycling; and solstices only increase direct sunlight for one hemisphere at a time, not universally the Southern.

Answer:

They occur when the Sun reaches its highest or lowest point in the sky.