- Published on September 21, 2012
- The Los Angeles Times
Finally, a new season has arrived! When we think of Fall or Autumn, we think of leaves falling from trees or the different holidays that come with the season, such as Halloween or Thanksgiving. We never stop to think that on the day of September 22, there is an Autumnal equinox. An equinox happens when the sun hits the plane of the Earth's equator and makes the time of night and day at almost an equal length all over the Earth. Earth's two hemispheres, the Southern and Northern hemisphere, receive the rays of the sun equally this way. This only happens twice a year, during spring and fall, or specifically on the days September 22 and March 21.
From the early days of Earth, people have been aware of the sun's shift or the changes in the sky by carefully observing them throughout the year. The Machu Picchu, located in Peru, is one of the first observatories made by these people to track down the progress of the sun. The observatory, which is named the Intihuatana stone meaning "for tying the sun", indicates the two days when the equinox shows up. There are multiple signs that make it easier for everyone to notice the equinox on these days. One easy sign is that summer is gone and winter is next. Dawn comes in later and the sun sets earlier than usual in the Northern Hemisphere. The days are much chillier than before and the sun has an arc, as it shifts towards the south. The plants continue their growth for the end of the year and change as they grow. These signs for the equinox in Autumn are usually spotted in nature.
From the beginning of time, people have studied and observed the skies for a long, period of time to notice each change or shift. These different studies in astronomy with stars or skies help people notice things they may have not known before. Since everyone is always in a rush these days, no one stops to look around them and see how the Earth can change daily in it's nature. Now that Autumn is here, we can finally say good-bye to hot, sweaty days and hello to the chilly air and cold, winter days!
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