The Autumn Equinox is fast approaching, set to occur tomorrow (September 22) at precisely 12.44pm GMT (1.44pm BST). This significant event marks the official commencement of autumn in the northern hemisphere, when day and night are almost equal in length. According to Royal Museums Greenwich, the Earth’s tilt on its axis determines which hemisphere the Sun illuminates more as it orbits the Earth. However, during the equinoxes, the Sun shines equally on both the northern and southern hemispheres.
The progression of seasons is intricately tied to the Earth’s orbit around the Sun, with equinoxes heralding Spring and Autumn. In contrast, solstices indicate the start of Summer and Winter when the Earth is inclined towards or away from the Sun. Our ancestors closely observed these celestial patterns, using the Sun to track time and acknowledge these seasonal shifts, shaping our understanding of the changing seasons today.
The Autumn Equinox also holds cultural significance, with various traditions such as mass skinny dips and bonfire lightings taking place to mark the occasion. While the equinox typically signifies approximately equal day and night durations, the phenomenon is altered in the UK due to atmospheric refraction. This refraction causes sunlight to be visible before sunrise and after sunset, extending the period of daylight.
As the Autumn Equinox passes, darker nights will prevail, leading up to the clocks going back on October 27. While this grants an extra hour of sleep, it also signals the impending arrival of Winter. Embracing the dwindling daylight is crucial before the onset of longer nights. The celestial phenomena continue to fascinate us, linking our past with the present and reminding us of the cyclical nature of time and seasons.
With the Autumn Equinox just around the corner, take a moment to appreciate the delicate balance between light and darkness that marks this transitional period. As nature transitions from the vibrant hues of summer to the golden shades of autumn, let us welcome this season of change with open arms and a renewed appreciation for the rhythms of the natural world.