Starwatch: Autumnal equinox in northern hemisphere, spring in the south
Published 1w ago · Updated 1w ago
Covered in 2 countries
The September equinox officially shifts the seasons across both hemispheres, though equal day and night arrive slightly later.
The September equinox marks the astronomical transition into autumn for the northern hemisphere and spring for the southern hemisphere. Although the term equinox translates from Latin as equal night, atmospheric refraction and the sun's geometry mean that day and night are not precisely equal until a few days after the event. The precise moment of the equinox is scheduled to take place during the early hours of Wednesday.
- The equinox occurs when the sun crosses the celestial equator, which is the imaginary projection of Earth's equator into the sky.
- Despite popular belief, day and night are not of equal length on the exact day of the equinox due to practical observation conditions.
- The astronomical change simultaneously signals the beginning of spring for regions located in the southern hemisphere.
Why it matters
Understanding the equinox helps track seasonal shifts and celestial mechanics, marking Earth's position in its orbit around the sun.
What outlets agree on
The September equinox marks the astronomical shift to autumn in the north and spring in the south as the sun crosses the celestial equator.
In this story
Covered by 2 outlets
50% of the sources are Left
Lean ratings via Ad Fontes Media, AllSides
- PBS NewsHourFall has officially arrived. Here's what to know about the autumnal equinox1w ago · open ↗
- The GuardianStarwatch: Autumnal equinox in northern hemisphere, spring in the south1w ago · open ↗
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Summary and key points are AI-generated from the sources above.
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