The season is changing. Today, Tuesday, Sept. 22, the fall equinox begins at 8:05 p.m. ET, according to NASA. This astronomical event signals the first official day of autumn and brings equal lengths of daylight and night.
What an equinox means
Equinoxes happen twice a year – once in spring and once in fall. Unlike the solstices, which produce the longest or shortest days, an equinox occurs when the Sun’s center crosses the plane of Earth’s equator. Observers at the equator will see the Sun directly overhead at noon.
When does fall officially start?
While the equinox marks the start of the fall season, many people notice changing leaves a few weeks later. According to USA TODAY, most of the United States will see foliage shift from late September through mid‑October. Some areas of southern California and much of the South may not see color change until November, and parts of southern California, southern Texas, and most of Florida often wait until December.
Typical timing of the equinox
Historically, the fall equinox falls on any day between Sept. 22 and Sept. 24, per Time and Date. This year’s precise timing aligns with NASA’s forecast.
Fun online surprise
Google adds a seasonal touch: searching for “fall equinox” or “autumnal equinox” produces a cascade of animated leaves that drift down the browser window.
Where to enjoy autumn now
If you’re looking to soak up the early fall atmosphere, USA TODAY 10BEST lists ten U.S. destinations that showcase the season’s colors, including Mackinac Island, Michigan; Allegany County, Maryland; Woodstock, Georgia; Gatlinburg, Tennessee; Lafayette, Louisiana; Rochester, New York; Saratoga County, New York; Burlington, Vermont; Yakima Valley, Washington; and Sleepy Hollow, New York.
Looking ahead to winter
The equinox also signals the approach of winter. The first day of winter in the Northern Hemisphere arrives on Monday, Dec. 21, at 10:03 a.m. ET, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac. After the winter solstice, days will gradually grow longer again.
Julia Gomez reports on space phenomena for USA TODAY. Follow her on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, or TikTok at @juliamariegz, or email [email protected].
Original reporting: Las Cruces Sun News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
