Autumn Equinox
About this event
The Autumn Equinox marks the official astronomical arrival of fall in the Northern Hemisphere, occurring when the Sun crosses directly above Earth's equator heading south.
Interesting facts about Autumn Equinox
The word 'equinox' derives from Latin 'aequus' (equal) and 'nox' (night).
At Chichen Itza's El Castillo pyramid in Mexico, shadows cast during the equinox create the stunning illusion of a feathered serpent slithering down the steps.
The Autumn Equinox is traditionally associated with the Harvest Moon, providing extra moonlight for gathering crops.
Leaves change color because trees stop producing green chlorophyll, revealing yellow xanthophylls and red anthocyanins.
At the North Pole, the Sun sets below the horizon at the autumn equinox and does not rise again for six full months.
Common Questions & Answers
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