This unique alignment ensures that most locations on Earth experience approximately 12 hours of sun and 12 hours of darkness. The word "equinox" itself derives from Latin, meaning "equal night," reflecting this balance of light and dark that defines the moment fall officially starts in astronomical terms.
Global Autumn Equinox Dates for the Year
The transition from summer to fall prompts the annual question, when does fall begin , which marks a shift in temperature, daylight, and the natural world. The date of this equinox varies slightly each year because our calendar does not perfectly align with the Earth's orbit around the sun.
Equinox Mechanics During the equinox, the terminator—the line dividing the day and night sides of the Earth—positions itself so that it passes through both poles. The Meteorological Definition Meteorologists, who study weather patterns, define fall using a fixed calendar framework that prioritizes seasonal consistency.
Global Autumn Equinox Dates for Every Year
Definition Start Date Basis Astronomical Fall September 22 or 23 (variable) Earth's position relative to the sun. This method answers when does fall begin in a way that is practical for record-keeping and weather prediction.
More About When does fall begin
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More perspective on When does fall begin can make the topic easier to follow by connecting earlier points with a few simple takeaways.
