September 22, 2026: The autumnal equinox occurs today. Learn why daylight and darkness are not exactly equal, how the ecliptic changes angle with the horizon, and why the Harvest Moon rises at nearly the same time each evening.
Tag: Autumnal equinox
2026, March 23: Why the Crescent Moon Appears Higher Each Night in Spring
March 23, 2026: The steep angle of the ecliptic during spring evenings lifts the crescent moon higher each night and raises Venus in the western sky.
2025, September 22: Autumnal Equinox – The Sun Crosses the Equator
September 22, 2025: Autumn begins in the northern hemisphere at 1:19 p.m. CDT, when the sun crosses the celestial equator heading south. Learn how the equinox marks the change of seasons and the balance of daylight and darkness.
2024, September 18: Autumn’s Diminishing Daylight
September 18, 2024: As Autumn nears, daylight noticeably decreases from week to week. At the same time darkness, part of nighttime increases.
2022, September 22: Autumnal Equinox, Sliced Moon
September 22, 2022: Autumn begins in the northern hemisphere this evening. The moon is near the Sickle of Leo. Mars continues its eastward march through Taurus.
2022, September 21: Morning Moon, Manger
September 21, 2022: Before daybreak, the thin crescent moon is with the Praesepe, meaning the manger. Notice earthshine in the lunar night.
2021, September 22: Autumnal Equinox
September 22, 2021: The sun’s light is most direct at the equator at 2:21 p.m. CDT, signaling the beginning of the autumn season in the northern hemisphere.