O equinox it is an astronomical phenomenon that marks the beginning of spring and autumn.
This event takes place twice a year, in spring and fall. For two days of the year, the nights and days will have almost the same duration, 12 hours.
The event occurs as a result of the tilt of the Earth's axis that results in sunlight falling directly on the intertropical band during some periods of the year.
Planet Earth and solar incidence during the equinox
As the two hemispheres will be positioned equally perpendicular to the Sun, they receive the same amount and intensity of sunlight. This is the explanation of the almost identical 12-hour duration for day and night.
The equinoxes vary from year to year, usually with a six-hour delay between each equinox, since the translation complete Earth takes 365 days and a few hours. Therefore, every four years, the equinoxes are delayed. This means that, in a few centuries, he will get a little ahead.
The word equinox is of Latin origin and means "equal night" ("aequus" (equal) + "nox" (night), "aequinoctiu").
Read more about the Planet Earth
Autumn Equinox and Spring Equinox
The spring and autumn seasons are marked by the Equinox. This phenomenon occurs on March 20, with the beginning of spring in the Northern Hemisphere and autumn in the Southern Hemisphere.
In turn, on September 23, with the beginning of autumn in the Northern Hemisphere and spring in the Southern Hemisphere.
In the autumnal equinoxes of the Northern Hemisphere occur the phenomena of Northern Lights.
The beginning of the summer and winter seasons is determined by another astronomical event, the solstice.
Equinox x Solstice
While the equinox marks the beginning of autumn and spring, the solstice marks the beginning of summer and winter.
Representation of the Solstice and Equinox
Both astronomical phenomena happen twice a year. They are closely related to the Earth's inclination and the solar incidence it receives during such a seasons.
This is because the rotation and translation movements of planet Earth will determine the distribution of sunlight in the hemispheres (northern and southern).
See too: Summer Solstice.
Trivia about the Equinox
- During the equinoxes, the sun rises exactly in the east and sets exactly in the west.
- the lights of autumnal equinox they cause biological changes in living beings, such as hibernation stimuli, falling leaves on trees and the ripening of various fruits and vegetables.
- The Equinox is celebrated in many cultures as the moment of balance between the forces of light and darkness.
- The spring equinox is associated with the Easter holidays in the Christian religion.
To know more:
- Spring
- Autumn
- Summer
- Winter
