On Monday, the world will experience a fascinating moment as day and night are expected to be almost equal, signaling the arrival of autumn in the Northern Hemisphere and spring in the Southern Hemisphere.
This occurrence, known as the autumnal equinox, happens as the Earth orbits the sun. At this time, the sun is positioned directly above the equator, allowing both the northern and southern hemispheres to receive equal sunlight for a brief period.
From this point onward in the Northern Hemisphere, daylight will gradually decrease until we reach the winter solstice on December 21. The transition into fall is also a time steeped in tradition, with many cultures celebrating harvest festivals. For instance, Dozynki in Poland is a festival that marks the end of the harvest season and is believed to have roots in equinox celebrations.
This year, some lucky observers in Antarctica, New Zealand, and parts of Australia may also have the chance to view a partial lunar eclipse on this day.
Understanding the Equinox
The equinox occurs when the Earth’s axis aligns with its orbit, allowing for equal sunlight on both hemispheres. The term “equinox” comes from Latin, meaning “equal night,” reflecting the fact that day and night are nearly the same length across the globe during this event.
The fall equinox typically falls between September 21 and 24, while the spring equinox can occur between March 19 and 21.
What is the Solstice?
The solstice is another significant event in our yearly cycle, showcasing the Earth’s tilt in relation to the sun. During the summer solstice, which takes place between June 20 and June 22, the Northern Hemisphere enjoys the longest day of the year. Conversely, the winter solstice occurs between December 20 and December 23, marking the shortest day and longest night.
Meteorological vs. Astronomical Seasons
Seasons can be categorized in two ways: astronomical and meteorological. Astronomical seasons are determined by the Earth’s position in its orbit around the sun, while meteorological seasons are based on the climate and weather. In meteorology, spring begins on March 1, summer on June 1, fall on September 1, and winter on December 1.
