The autumnal equinox occurs today, September 22, signaling the official start of fall in the Northern Hemisphere. At roughly 8:05 p.m. EDT, the center of the Sun will cross Earth’s equator, creating a moment when day and night are nearly equal in length.

What an Equinox Means

During an equinox, sunlight reaches both hemispheres almost equally. The North and South Poles are illuminated at the same time, and the Sun appears directly overhead at noon for observers on the equator. This balance of light is why the term comes from the Latin words for “equal” and “night.”

How Fall Will Feel

In the United States and other northern locales, the equinox ushers in shorter days and longer, cooler evenings. Expect daylight hours to shrink gradually over the coming weeks, while nighttime temperatures begin to dip. Many families start swapping summer wardrobes for warmer layers, and seasonal comforts like hot apple cider and pumpkin‑spiced treats become popular.

Leaves will start to turn from late September through mid‑October, providing the classic autumn scenery of reds, oranges and yellows. This natural display often coincides with community events such as harvest festivals, pumpkin patches and Halloween preparations.

What’s Next in the Sky?

After the equinox, the Sun continues its southward journey until it reaches its lowest point in the sky at the winter solstice, expected on Monday, December 21. Following the solstice, the Sun will reverse direction and begin moving northward again, lengthening days as winter gives way to spring.

Science Behind the Dates

NASA explains that the equinox happens when the Sun’s apparent path crosses the celestial equator. The precise timing varies each year due to Earth’s elliptical orbit and axial tilt. The Royal Museums Greenwich in the United Kingdom and Chicago’s Adler Planetarium both confirm the upcoming winter solstice date.

Practical Tips for the Coming Weeks

• Adjust outdoor lighting schedules to account for earlier nightfall.
• Check heating systems before the first cold snap.
• Plan family outings to enjoy peak foliage before the leaves fall.
• Consider seasonal home projects, such as weather‑stripping doors and windows.

Whether you’re a science enthusiast, a parent preparing for school‑year routines, or simply looking forward to cozy evenings, the autumnal equinox offers a clear marker of the seasonal transition. Embrace the change, enjoy the crisp air, and look forward to the holidays that lie ahead.

Original reporting: Allentown News – 6abc Philadelphia — read the source article.