Scientific facts about the fall equinox

Can you believe six months have already passed? It’s time for the fall equinox baby - let’s recharge our crystals and dust off those cozy flannels! This year the first day of fall lands on September 23, but what does that mean for us?

The fall equinox, also known as the autumnal equinox, is one of two times each year when the sun is directly overhead the equator. This occurs on or around September 22 or 23 in the Northern Hemisphere and March 20 or 21 in the Southern Hemisphere.

Scientific facts about the fall equinox

• The fall equinox marks the beginning of autumn in the Northern Hemisphere and spring in the Southern Hemisphere.
• On the fall equinox, the sun rises due east and sets due west.
• Day and night are approximately equal in length on the fall equinox, but not quite. This is because the sun's disk is not a point, but rather a sphere. As a result, it takes the sun a little longer to set below the horizon on the equinox than it does to rise above it.
• The fall equinox is caused by the Earth's tilted axis. As the Earth orbits the sun, its axis remains tilted at an angle of 23.5 degrees. This means that the Northern Hemisphere is tilted towards the sun in the summer and away from the sun in the winter. On the fall equinox, the Earth's axis is neither tilted towards nor away from the sun, which results in day and night being approximately equal in length.

Folklore associated with the fall equinox

Cultures around the world have celebrated the fall equinox for centuries. Here are a few examples of folklore associated with this time of year:

• In many cultures, the fall equinox is a time to celebrate the harvest and give thanks for the bounty of the earth.
• In some cultures, the fall equinox is also a time to remember the dead.
• In Celtic cultures, the fall equinox is known as Mabon, a festival that celebrates the balance of light and dark.
• In Chinese culture, the fall equinox is known as the Moon Festival, a time to celebrate family and togetherness.
• In Native American cultures, the fall equinox is often associated with the changing of the seasons and the preparation for winter.

How to celebrate the fall equinox

There are many ways to celebrate the fall equinox. Here are a few ideas:

• Go for a walk in nature and enjoy the changing leaves.
• Have a harvest festival with your friends and family.
• Visit a local farm or orchard and pick your own fruit.
• Bake a pumpkin pie or other fall-themed treat.
• Learn about the folklore and traditions of the fall equinox in different cultures.

No matter how you choose to celebrate, the fall equinox is a time to reflect on the changing seasons and appreciate the beauty of the natural world.

To keep your yard protected for the remainder of the season, give Mosquito Squad of Grand Rapids a call! Our forecasts predict “mosquito weather” still happening through September into early October so let’s ensure we help keep your family safe. Mosquito Squad offers one-time event sprays for your end-of-the-season parties with family and friends. Call Mosquito Squad of Grand Rapids at (616) 920-8069 today for a free quote!