Why you should leave your leaves lying this fall
To rake or not to rake? Here’s why you might want to leave your leaves on the ground this fall.
Labor Day, often referred to as the “unofficial end” of summer, has ushered in a new season. With it come pumpkin lattes and harvest decorations on store shelves. That’s right: Fall is just around the corner.
The autumn equinox officially marks the beginning of autumn. The word “equinox” comes from the Latin words “aequus” and “nox,” meaning “equal or even” and “night,” respectively. This is because during an equinox there is almost an equal amount of night and day.
So when is the autumn equinox in 2024? Here’s what you need to know:
When is the first day of autumn?
The first day of fall in 2024 is Sunday, September 22nd.
What are the autumn months?
In the Northern Hemisphere, the autumn months last from late September through October and November to the first weeks of December. The winter solstice occurs on Saturday, December 21, 2024, so the end of December is the beginning of the winter months.
What is the birthstone for September? Get to know the stunning jewel of this autumn month.
The Autumn Equinox Explained
According to the National Weather Service, there are two times of the year when the Earth’s axis is tilted so much that “there is nearly equal amount of daylight and darkness at all latitudes.”
There are two equinoxes: the autumnal equinox marks the beginning of autumn, while the vernal equinox marks the beginning of spring.
The apparent equal duration of daylight and darkness is the result of refraction of sunlight, or the bending of light rays, reports the National Weather Service. This refraction causes the sun to appear above the horizon when it is actually below the horizon.
During the autumn equinox, also called the September equinox, the sun crosses the celestial equator from north to south. In the Northern Hemisphere, the days become shorter after the autumn equinox as the winter solstice approaches.
Fall foliage forecasts: These maps show when and where the colors are most visible.
Curious to know more? We have the right thing for you
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