Contrary to popular belief, the autumnal equinox does not always occur on September 21. This year again, the transition to the new season will take place on another date. Here’s why.
The first day of autumn will not take place on September 21, 2024. This astronomical phenomenonthat we call autumnal equinox or September equinox, will occur at a later date in the Northern Hemisphere. And for good reason, every four years, the 29th additional day of the month of February shifts the dates of the equinoxes for the year. The autumn one can thus take place between September 21 and 24which is the case in 2024. Here is the essential thing to know about the transition to the new season.
When does the autumnal equinox occur in 2024?
According to the data L’Institute of Celestial Mechanics and Ephemeris Calculation (IMCCE), the autumnal equinox will fall on Sunday September 22, 2024. This date marks the first day of fall. The season will then last three months, from September (partially) until December (partially).
Exactly what time does the autumnal equinox occur this year?
According to IMCCE calculations, the autumnal equinox should occur precisely at 12:43 p.m. UTC.
What does the equinox mean?
The term equinox comes from Latin aequinoctium what’we can translate by “equal” and “night”. From an astronomical point of view, the autumnal equinox occurs when the Sun reaches the intersection between the vertical of the equator and the celestial sphere. At this time, both hemispheres (North and South) are illuminated equally by the Sun. THE day and night therefore have the same duration for everyone on Earth, they each last 12 hours.
In some ancient cultures or beliefs, festivals and rituals are organized for the autumnal equinox. One of the best known is the Sabbath of Mabon. Among the Celtic people, it is a major celebration of the year which is linked to the harvest and the last harvests of the year.
The key word during this celebration is “gratitude”. The idea is to thank Mother Nature for the abundance of harvests but also for all the work that has been done. For this, families and loved ones have the custom of share a good meal all together, concocted with harvested products. Some can also take a walk in nature to celebrate the change of season. Still others take the opportunity to purify the interior of their house and do a thorough cleaning.