Spring is in full swing, and if you’re someone who loves soaking up the warmth of the sun, you’re probably already embracing the shift in weather. But have you ever wondered why we have the same amount of daylight and darkness during the spring and fall? Well, it’s all thanks to the equinoxes. Yes, you read that right – there are actually two equinoxes that happen every year. While they’re not as well-known as other celestial events like eclipses or meteor showers, they play a pivotal role in marking the changing of seasons.
So, what are these two equinoxes called? As many of you know, an equinox happens twice a year when the sun is directly above the Earth’s equator. During this time, both the northern and southern hemispheres experience equal amounts of daylight and darkness. The equinox that occurs in March is known as the spring or vernal equinox, and it marks the beginning of spring in the northern hemisphere. On the other hand, the equinox that happens in September is referred to as the fall or autumnal equinox, and it marks the beginning of fall in the northern hemisphere.
But why do these equinoxes happen in the first place, and what makes them so significant? Well, there’s a lot more to these events than just equal amounts of daylight and darkness, and in this article, we’re going to explore what they signify on a deeper level. We’ll also dive into some fascinating facts about the equinoxes that you might not have known before. So grab a drink, sit back, and get ready to learn all about the two equinoxes and why they’re important.
Autumnal Equinox
The autumnal equinox, also known as the September equinox or fall equinox, marks the beginning of autumn in the northern hemisphere. It is the exact moment when the sun is directly above the equator, resulting in approximately equal amounts of daylight and darkness around the world. The word “equinox” comes from the Latin words “aequus” meaning equal and “nox” meaning night.
- The autumnal equinox occurs on September 22 or 23 depending on the year and time zone.
- During the autumnal equinox, the sun rises due east and sets due west, creating a beautiful display of colors in the sky.
- It is a time of harvest and abundance, as many crops are ready for harvesting in the fall.
Many cultures around the world celebrate the autumnal equinox as a time of reflection, balance, and gratitude. In China, it is called the “Mid-Autumn Festival” and is a time for family reunions and moon-watching. In Japan, it is known as “Higan” and is a time for visiting family graves and paying respects to ancestors.
Below is a table showing the exact date and time of the autumnal equinox for the next few years:
| Year | Date and Time |
|---|---|
| 2021 | September 22, 3:21 p.m. Eastern Time |
| 2022 | September 23, 9:04 a.m. Eastern Time |
| 2023 | September 23, 3:50 a.m. Eastern Time |
The autumnal equinox is a beautiful and significant event that connects us to the rhythms and cycles of nature. By taking a moment to appreciate this season of balance and abundance, we can cultivate a deeper sense of gratitude and connection to the world around us.
Vernal Equinox
The vernal equinox is the first day of spring in the Northern Hemisphere. It marks the moment when the Sun is exactly above the equator, and day and night are nearly equal in length. The vernal equinox falls on March 19, 20 or 21 every year and is also called the spring equinox. This equinox is particularly important in ancient cultures and religions as it signifies growth, renewal, and new beginnings.
- Day and Night Are Equal
- Cross-Quarter Day
- Astronomical Spring
The vernal equinox is the only day of the year when day and night are almost equal in length across the globe. This event happens because the tilt of the Earth’s axis is zero relative to the Sun. It also means that every part of the Earth receives an equal amount of sunlight.
The vernal equinox is one of four cross-quarter days in the year. These days fall approximately halfway between a solstice and an equinox. The other cross-quarter days are the summer solstice, the autumn equinox, and the winter solstice.
The vernal equinox is also known as the start of astronomical spring in the Northern Hemisphere and astronomical fall in the Southern Hemisphere. The opposite occurs during the autumnal equinox, which marks the beginning of astronomical fall in the Northern Hemisphere and astronomical spring in the Southern Hemisphere.
The vernal equinox has been celebrated by many cultures throughout history, including the Mayans, Persians, and Egyptians. It remains an important event in many modern religions, including Wicca, Paganism, and Hinduism. Whether you celebrate it or not, the vernal equinox marks a special day where we witness the beauty of nature and the promise of new beginnings.
| Vernal Equinox | Date |
|---|---|
| 2019 | March 20 |
| 2020 | March 19 |
| 2021 | March 20 |
The date of the vernal equinox can vary slightly from year to year due to leap years and other astronomical factors. It’s always exciting to witness the shift from the dark and cold winter months to the warmth and light of spring, and the vernal equinox signals the start of this transformation.
Definition of Equinoxes
The term “equinox” comes from the Latin words “aequus” meaning “equal” and “nox” meaning “night.” Simply put, an equinox occurs twice a year when the amount of daylight and darkness are roughly equal all over the world. These events happen when the Earth’s axis is tilted neither towards nor away from the Sun. During this time, the Sun appears to move across the celestial equator, an imaginary line in the sky that corresponds to the plane of the Earth’s equator.
The Two Equinoxes
- The Vernal Equinox: Also known as the Spring Equinox, this event marks the beginning of spring in the Northern Hemisphere and fall in the Southern Hemisphere. It occurs around March 20 or 21 and leads to longer days and shorter nights in the Northern Hemisphere.
- The Autumnal Equinox: Also known as the Fall Equinox, this event marks the beginning of fall in the Northern Hemisphere and spring in the Southern Hemisphere. It occurs around September 22 or 23 and leads to shorter days and longer nights in the Northern Hemisphere.
The Science behind the Equinoxes
The equinoxes occur due to the Earth’s orbit around the Sun and the tilt of its axis. The Earth’s axis is tilted at an angle of about 23.5 degrees relative to its orbit around the Sun. This tilt means that during certain parts of the year, one hemisphere of the Earth is oriented more towards the Sun, resulting in more direct sunlight and longer days.
However, at the equinoxes, the Earth’s axis is neither tilted towards nor away from the Sun, resulting in roughly equal amounts of daylight and darkness all over the world. After the autumnal equinox, as the Earth continues its orbit around the Sun, the northern hemisphere starts tilting away from the Sun resulting in shorter days and longer nights.
This change in daylight hours affects many living organisms on Earth, from plants to animals, and even humans. The equinoxes have been celebrated and observed by various cultures throughout history, and continue to play an important role in many modern traditions and superstitions.
The Equinox Table
| Equinox | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Vernal (Spring) Equinox | Approximately March 20 or 21 | Varies depending on location |
| Autumnal (Fall) Equinox | Approximately September 22 or 23 | Varies depending on location |
While the dates of the equinoxes may vary depending on the location and time zone, they serve as a reminder of the cyclical nature of time and the changes that occur throughout the year. Understanding the science behind these events can give us a deeper appreciation for the world we live in and the natural rhythms that govern it.
History of Equinoxes
Equinoxes have been observed and celebrated by civilizations throughout history. The word “equinox” comes from the Latin words “aequus” meaning equal and “nox” meaning night. This refers to the fact that on the equinox, day and night are approximately equal in length.
Ancient cultures such as the Mayans, Egyptians, and Persians all closely monitored the movement of the sun and the changing of the seasons. They built structures and monuments, such as Stonehenge in England and Chichen Itza in Mexico, that were aligned with the solstices and equinoxes.
One of the earliest known equinox celebrations was the ancient Persian holiday of Nowruz, which marks the beginning of spring. Nowruz is still celebrated in modern-day Iran and other parts of Central Asia and the Middle East.
- In China, the equinoxes are associated with the changing of the seasons and the philosophy of Yin and Yang.
- In Japan, the equinoxes are celebrated with the Buddhist holiday of Higan, a time for reflection and contemplation of life and death.
- In many parts of Europe, the equinoxes are associated with Christian holidays such as Easter and the Feast of Saint Michael.
Today, the equinoxes are still celebrated and observed by many cultures and religions around the world. They are symbols of change, new beginnings, and the cyclical nature of life.
| Equinox | Date |
|---|---|
| Spring Equinox | March 20th/21st |
| Fall Equinox | September 22nd/23rd |
The spring equinox marks the beginning of spring in the Northern Hemisphere and the fall equinox marks the beginning of fall. These are important dates for farmers, gardeners, and anyone who relies on the changing of the seasons for their livelihood.
Cultural Celebrations of Equinoxes
Equinoxes have been celebrated around the world for centuries, and they hold great cultural significance for many different societies. Here are some examples of equinox celebrations from around the world:
- Chichen Itza Spring Equinox: In Mexico, the ancient city of Chichen Itza was built to align perfectly with the spring equinox. On this day, the sun creates a shadow that looks like a snake slithering down the staircase of the El Castillo pyramid.
- Welcoming the Persian New Year: The Persian New Year, called Nowruz or “new day,” is celebrated on the spring equinox. It is a time of renewal, and families gather to feast, exchange gifts, and decorate eggs.
- Japanese Spring Equinox: In Japan, the spring equinox is a national holiday called Shunbun no Hi. It is a time to visit graves, offer prayers of gratitude, and celebrate the arrival of spring.
- Pagan Ostara: Ostara is a pagan celebration of the spring equinox, named after the Germanic goddess of fertility, Ostara. Many modern pagans celebrate this day by decorating eggs, holding fertility rituals, and paying tribute to the goddess.
- Hindu Holi: Holi is a Hindu holiday that is celebrated on the spring equinox in some parts of India. It is also known as the festival of colors, because people throw brightly colored powders and perfumes at each other in the streets.
Equinoxes are also celebrated in many different ways within Native American cultures, as well as in other indigenous traditions around the world.
Here is a table of equinox celebrations from different cultures:
| Culture | Equinox Celebration |
|---|---|
| Maya | Chichen Itza spring equinox |
| Persian | Nowruz |
| Japanese | Shunbun no Hi |
| Pagan | Ostara |
| Hindu | Holi |
As you can see, the equinox holds a special meaning for many different cultures around the world. Whether you celebrate by painting eggs or dancing in the streets, the equinox is a time of new beginnings and hope for a brighter future.
Scientific Significance of Equinoxes
Equinoxes are significant astronomical events that occur twice a year, on March 20th or 21st and September 22nd or 23rd. These events mark the two moments during the year when the Sun appears to be directly above the Earth’s equator, resulting in an almost equal amount of daylight and darkness all over the world.
Equinoxes have several scientific significances, including:
- Changes in Seasons: Equinoxes mark the beginning of spring and autumn seasons, respectively. During the spring equinox, the Northern Hemisphere starts to tilt towards the Sun, resulting in longer days and increased sunlight. Conversely, during the autumnal equinox, the Northern Hemisphere begins to tilt away from the Sun, resulting in shorter days and less sunlight.
- Geographical Relationship: During the equinoxes, the Earth’s tilt is perpendicular to the Sun’s rays, creating an almost equal distribution of sunlight between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. This alignment also causes the equator to receive the most direct sunlight, making these periods an excellent time for equatorial countries to experience peak solar energy output.
- Astronomical Calculation: Equinoxes serve as a basis for astronomical calculations, including the determination of the length of a tropical year, which is the time taken by the Sun to make one revolution around the ecliptic. Studying the occurrence and timing of equinoxes helps astronomers track changes in the Earth’s orbit and measure the movements of the planet and its relationship with the Sun.
Equinoxes play a vital role in measuring and predicting celestial events, calendars, and patterns, making them an essential part of astronomy and other sciences that rely on astronomical calculations.
To better illustrate the significance of equinoxes, the following table shows the dates and times of 2021’s equinoxes for different time zones:
| Year | Season | Equinox | Date/Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Spring | March Equinox | March 20, 2021, 5:37 a.m. UTC |
| Autumn | September Equinox | September 22, 2021, 3:21 p.m. UTC |
Understanding the significance of equinoxes helps us appreciate the broader astronomical universe’s patterns and complexities and allows us to explore and discover more about the world beyond our planet.
Equinoxes and Astrology
Equinoxes are significant events in astrology as they mark the changing of the seasons. There are two equinoxes that occur during the year: the Vernal Equinox and the Autumnal Equinox.
- The Vernal Equinox, also known as the Spring Equinox, occurs on March 20-21 and marks the beginning of spring in the Northern Hemisphere. During this equinox, day and night are nearly equal in length as the sun crosses the celestial equator.
- The Autumnal Equinox, also known as the Fall Equinox, occurs on September 22-23 and marks the beginning of autumn in the Northern Hemisphere. Similarly, during this equinox, day and night are nearly equal in length as the sun crosses the celestial equator.
Astrologically speaking, the equinoxes signify a time of balance and harmony. During the Vernal Equinox, the energy is optimistic and revitalizing, making it an ideal time for new beginnings and fresh starts. Whereas, during the Autumnal Equinox, the energy is more reflective and introspective, making it a great time to let go of what no longer serves you and evaluate your goals moving forward.
Furthermore, the equinoxes are important to astrologers as they signal a shift in the zodiac. The Vernal Equinox marks the beginning of the astrological year, with Aries as the first sign of the zodiac. The Autumnal Equinox marks the beginning of the end, with Libra as the start of the final quarter of the astrological year.
The Number 7 in Astrology
In astrology, the number 7 is associated with spiritual growth and higher consciousness. It is often referred to as the seeker or searcher as those with a strong 7 influence are constantly searching for knowledge and deeper meaning.
The number 7 is associated with the planet Neptune, which rules sensitivity, intuition, and psychic abilities. People with a prominent 7 in their chart tend to be highly intuitive and empathetic, often leading them to pursue careers in helping others.
The number 7 also plays an important role in the tarot, where it is associated with the Chariot card. The Chariot represents perseverance and determination, which are essential traits when embarking on a spiritual journey.
| Positive Traits | Negative Traits |
|---|---|
| Highly intuitive | Prone to anxiety and depression |
| Spiritual and reflective | Tends to isolate themselves |
| Compassionate and empathetic | Can be overly analytical |
In conclusion, the number 7 holds a special significance in astrology, representing spiritual growth, intuition, and the searcher. Those with a strong 7 influence in their chart may possess traits such as compassion, intuition, and determination, but may struggle with anxiety and isolation at times.
FAQs: What are the Two Equinoxes Called?
1. What is an equinox?
An equinox is a phenomenon that occurs twice a year, marking the day when day and night are roughly the same length.
2. When do equinoxes occur?
Equinoxes occur twice a year, around March 20th and September 22nd.
3. What is the equinox in March called?
The equinox in March is called the Vernal Equinox or the Spring Equinox in the Northern Hemisphere, where spring begins.
4. What is the equinox in September called?
The equinox in September is called the Autumnal Equinox or Fall Equinox in the Northern Hemisphere, where fall begins.
5. What happens during an equinox?
During an equinox, the tilt of the Earth’s axis is perpendicular to the sun’s rays, making the day and night almost the same length.
6. Do both the Northern and Southern hemispheres experience equinoxes?
Yes, both hemispheres experience equinoxes, but they occur at opposite times.
7. How long does an equinox last?
An equinox lasts only a moment, but it marks the beginning of a new season.
Closing Thoughts
We hope these FAQs have been helpful in answering your questions about what the two equinoxes are called. Remember, the Vernal Equinox and the Autumnal Equinox occur twice a year, and they mark the change in seasons. Thanks for reading, and we look forward to having you visit our site again soon!