What is the meaning behind the autumn equinox?Īlthough the summer and winter solstices are perhaps more commonly associated with ancient celebrations, the equinoxes also carry significance for people across the world. The autumnal and spring equinoxes mark when the two hemispheres swap over, while the summer and winter solstices denote the sun reaching its most northerly and southerly points. The actual date when the timings are equal is referred to as the equilux, and falls a few days before the spring equinox and a few days after the autumn equinox.įor six months each of the year, either the northern or southern hemisphere is pointing slightly towards the sun, bringing the longer days and warmer temperatures of spring and summer. In theory the planet should get 12 hours of daylight on darkness on the equinox dates, although this is complicated slightly by the Earth’s atmosphere affecting the way we see sunlight. Autumn begins with the equinox, according to the astronomical definition of the seasons (Photo: Getty Images) The name “equinox” is derived from the Latin aequus, which means equal, and nox, the term for night. On the two dates, both the northern and southern hemispheres share the sun’s rays equally, and night and day are, for 24 hours, roughly the same length. If you were to view the sun from the equator on the day, it would theoretically rise exactly due east, and set due west. The day when this phenomenon actually occurs is called the equilux and falls a few days after the autumnal equinox.īelow, we've rounded up some information about this year's fall equinox, plus answers to your most frequently asked questions about the phenomenon.The astronomical event marks the moment the Earth’s equator passes directly through the centre of the sun’s path, lining up in unison as the world gradually turns. However, in most places the sun is out for more than 12 hours on the equinox. According to Merriam-Webster, the word "equinox" is derived from two Latin words: aequus, for "equal," and nox, for "night," so its definition makes perfect sense. Simply put, an equinox describes those magical, short-lived times of year when day and night are of nearly equal length, which occur at seasonal transition points (hence its relevancy to the first day of fall!). So, let's sort this whole "equinox" thing out once and for all. Still, before we get into the matter of when the autumnal (AKA fall) equinox is set to take place this year (and therefore the first day of fall), it's important to know what an equinox even is. After all, nothing beats the magic of watching the falling leaves, pumpkin bread, apple picking, and fun seasonal candles! Still others might look to the fall season with excitement, as a new batch of pumpkin spice products hits the local supermarkets and the air turns crisp and cool. While you might not look forward to the end of summer, with its backyard cook-outs, beach trips, and lazy afternoons sans homework and busy after-school activities, the first day of fall will be here before we know it. When is the first day of fall in 2022-and when's the fall equinox in America?
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