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: vernal 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.
2026, March 20: Spring Equinox Crescent Moon and Venus Tonight
March 20, 2026: The spring equinox arrives today. After sunset, look west for a thin crescent moon glowing with earthshine near brilliant Venus.
2024, March 1: March 2024 Astronomy Events
March 1, 2024: March 2024 Astronomy Events include an occultation, eclipse, conjunctions, equinox, and planets in transition.
2024, February 4: February’s Scorpion Moon, Winter’s Midpoint
February 4, 2024: February’s Scorpion moon is in the southeastern sky before sunrise. Today is winter’s mid-point.
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, March 20: Spring Arrives, Venus at Greatest Elongation
March 20, 2022: Spring arrives this morning at 10:33 a.m. CDT and Venus is at greatest elongation earlier in the morning. Morning planets Venus, Mars, and Saturn are in the east-southeast before sunrise.
2021, March 20: Vernal Equinox, Morning Planets
March 20, 2021: The Vernal Equinox occurs at 4:37 a.m. CDT. The sun’s light is most directed at the equator. During the next six months, sunlight is more direct in the earth’s northern hemisphere.