Autumnal Equinox 2024: What It Means and What to Expect

What is the Autumnal Equinox?

As the Earth travels around the sun, it does so at an angle. For most of the year, the Earth’s axis is tilted either toward or away from the sun. This means the sun’s warmth and light fall unequally on the northern and southern halves of the planet.

What are Solstices and Equinoxes?

When the Northern Hemisphere is tilted toward the sun, that’s called the summer solstice. This marks the first day of summer in the North and the first day of winter in the South. One hundred and eighty days later, when the Southern Hemisphere is tilted toward the sun, it is called the winter solstice. This marks the first day of winter in the North and the first day of summer in the South.

The halfway points between solstices are the autumnal and vernal equinoxes. The word equinox comes from two Latin words meaning equal and night. That’s because on the equinox, day and night last almost the same amount of time — though one may get a few extra minutes, depending on where you are on the planet.

When is the 2024 Autumnal Equinox?

The fall – or autumnal – equinox can land on September 22 or 23 depending on the year. This year it lands on Sunday at 8:44 a.m. ET/ 5:44 a.m. PT in the Northern Hemisphere.

Why are there Two Kinds of Fall?

There are two different ways to carve up the year: meteorological and astronomical seasons. Meteorological seasons are defined by the weather and break down the year into three-month seasons based on annual temperature cycles. But astronomical seasons depend on how the Earth moves around the sun.

Equinoxes, when the sun lands equally on both hemispheres, mark the start of spring and autumn. Solstices, when the Earth sees its strongest tilt toward or away from the sun, kick off summer and winter.

When is the ‘Harvest Moon’?

The "Harvest Moon" is the full moon closest to the autumnal equinox. The name dates back to a time before electricity when farmers depended on the moon’s light to harvest their crops late into the evening, according to NASA. This year’s harvest moon, the last supermoon of 2024, will emerge on Monday, September 16, and reach peak illumination at 10:34 p.m. ET/7:34 p.m. PT on Tuesday, September 17, according to The Farmer’s Almanac.

Conclusion

The autumnal equinox marks the beginning of fall in the Northern Hemisphere, and it’s a time of balance between day and night. With the harvest moon arriving shortly after, it’s the perfect opportunity to appreciate the beauty of nature and the changing seasons.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the date of the 2024 autumnal equinox?
A: September 22 or 23, depending on the year. This year it lands on Sunday at 8:44 a.m. ET/ 5:44 a.m. PT.

Q: What is the difference between meteorological and astronomical seasons?
A: Meteorological seasons are defined by the weather, while astronomical seasons depend on the Earth’s movement around the sun.

Q: What is the Harvest Moon?
A: The Harvest Moon is the full moon closest to the autumnal equinox, which helps farmers harvest their crops at night.

Q: When is the next Harvest Moon?
A: This year’s Harvest Moon will emerge on September 16 and reach peak illumination on September 17.

Note: The Associated Press contributed to this story.