The first day of autumn is here! It’s difficult to believe it’s that time again—another seasonal shift. With most of us stuck in a quarantine time warp, it’s more important than ever to acknowledge, integrate, and celebrate the passage of time. If we feel like the days keep blending into one, honoring the transition to fall on the equinox can help us get unstuck, and feel present and grateful for what we have.
This year, the equinox falls on September 22, at exactly 9:31 am EDT. The word “equinox” comes from the Latin “aequus” meaning “equal” and “nox” meaning “night,” indicating that, at this moment of the year, the day and night are of roughly equal length.
During the autumnal equinox, which occurs between September 21st and 23rd, the sun is positioned directly above the equator. This means that day and night are nearly equal in length. It signifies the exact moment when the Earth’s tilt aligns such that the sun crosses the celestial equator, transitioning from the Northern Hemisphere to the Southern Hemisphere. This event marks the beginning of fall in the Northern Hemisphere.
Why Aren’t Day and Night Exactly 12 Hours Long on the Equinox?
While the equinox is commonly thought to be the day when day and night are of equal length, this isn’t precisely accurate. Here’s why:
When the Earth experiences an equinox, the tilt of its axis is such that the sun’s center crosses the equator. It might seem like this should result in 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of night, but several factors prevent this from being the case.
Atmospheric Refraction
The Earth’s atmosphere bends sunlight. This phenomenon, known as atmospheric refraction, makes the sun appear above the horizon even after it has technically set. Similarly, the sun seems to rise earlier than it actually does. Due to this bending of light, we experience a few extra minutes of daylight at both sunrise and sunset.
Solar Disc Size
Another factor is the size of the solar disc. Sunrise is defined as the moment the sun’s upper edge, not its center, becomes visible on the horizon. Sunset occurs when the sun’s upper edge disappears. This means we start getting sunlight before the sun’s center has risen and continue to get it even after the sun’s center has set.
Location on Earth
The exact date when day and night are of equal length can vary depending on your geographic location. For most places, this date falls a few days before or after the equinox.
Summary:
- Atmospheric Refraction: Bends light, extending daylight.
- Solar Disc Size: Definitions of sunrise and sunset include the sun’s upper edge.
- Geographic Location: Equinox effects vary globally.
These factors combined mean that the day of exactly 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of night typically occurs a few days before or after the actual equinox.
After the fall equinox, the days become short and the nights become longer, signifying our entrance into a more internal or reflective period. Also called “Mabon,” it is known as the time of the harvest; time to reap what we have sown and invite balance and gratitude.
Meteorologists and climatologists define the end of summer not by the astronomical calendar, but based on the three warmest months, which are June, July, and August. From their perspective, summer concludes on August 31st, marking the end of this peak temperature period. This differs from the astronomical definition, which notes the end of summer later in September. By focusing on the mean temperature patterns, these scientists provide a practical framework that aligns closely with the annual weather trends.
When Does the Autumnal Equinox Happen Across Different U.S. Time Zones?
The autumnal equinox marks the beginning of fall and occurs at specific times across various U.S. Time zones. Here’s when you can expect it:
- Eastern Daylight Time (EDT): 9:30 a.m.
- Central Daylight Time (CDT): 8:30 a.m.
- Mountain Daylight Time (MDT): 7:30 a.m.
- Pacific Daylight Time (PDT): 6:30 a.m.
Be sure to set your clocks accordingly to celebrate the start of the autumn season accurately in your time zone.
Though this has been a difficult year, remember that all is cyclical, and endings and beginnings are always occurring around us. Over the next few days, take some time to practice a ritual that will mark the change from summer to autumn in your life. We’ve included a list of our favorites to inspire you.
- Take time for balance and reflection. Sit quietly and reflect on what might be out of balance in your life right now and dedicate yourself to making those lifestyle shifts. It can help to write your thoughts in a journal and conclude by creating three small action steps.
- Create a fall harvest feast. There are so many seasonal vegetables available right now. Instead of mourning the loss of summer fruit, celebrate the abundance of pumpkins, gourds, and root vegetables that are filling the produce aisle. Try out new recipes and cook a feast for whoever you may be in quarantine with (even if it is just for yourself—you deserve it!).
- Take a walk in nature. Go outside and observe how the trees are shifting, the smell of the air has taken on a new note, and the light has evolved. Consider taking pictures of things that you see on a daily basis. Then, when we celebrate another season, take more pictures so you can compare and observe the power of seasonal evolutions
- Bring the outside in. While carving pumpkins for Halloween may seem like a child’s activity, there is just something about bringing tastes of the season into your home. Especially right now, it’s helpful to have small seasonal reminders that allow you to feel grateful and celebratory. Gourds as a centerpiece, a full bowl of fresh apples, scattered acorns, or a few fallen leaves can help you connect to nature and the passing of seasons.
- Read out loud. As the season turns and we spend even more time indoors, a nice way to break up the binge-watching is to gather around a book and read it out loud. This lost art has been making a comeback during these times. We use a different part of our brains to read out loud and yet another to visualize the story. These both enhance creativity and support mental focus.
- Infuse the spirit of the season into your practice. Of course, your yoga practice is a powerful way to attune yourself to the rhythms and cycles of nature. Our Fall Equinox class collection is full of classes that will help you adjust to the energy of the new season. Choose the one that speaks most to you to honor this day of transition.
