All articles tagged with #autumnal equinox
The 2025 autumnal equinox occurs on September 22, marking the start of astronomical autumn in the northern hemisphere, characterized by longer nights and cooler temperatures, while the southern hemisphere experiences spring; this event is due to Earth's axial tilt and the sun crossing the celestial equator.
The autumnal equinox in the Northern Hemisphere in 2025 occurs on September 22 at 2:19 p.m. EDT, marking the start of fall, with the sun crossing the equator. The article explains the complexities of equinoxes, including atmospheric refraction and twilight effects, which cause day and night not to be exactly equal. It also clarifies misconceptions about polar daylight and darkness, highlighting that twilight extends the period of light or darkness beyond the simple day/night division.
The last supermoon of 2023, known as the Harvest Moon, will reach peak illumination on September 29 at 5:58 a.m. EDT. This full moon will appear about 5% bigger and 13% brighter than an average full moon. The timing of the Harvest Moon is tied to the autumnal equinox and can occur in either September or October. After the Harvest Moon, there will be the Full Hunter's Moon in October, Full Beaver Moon in November, and Full Cold Moon in December.
The last Supermoon of 2023, known as the Harvest Moon, will occur on September 29. The Harvest Moon is named after the time when crops in the Northern Hemisphere reach their peak. It will appear bright starting on Thursday and reach peak illumination on Friday morning. Skygazers can observe the Moon rising about half an hour after sunset on Thursday, with the fullest view just before moonset at around 6 a.m. ET on Friday.
This week's full moon will be a supermoon, appearing larger and brighter than usual as it reaches perigee, the closest point to Earth in its orbit. Known as a harvest moon, it coincides with the autumnal equinox and historically aided farmers in harvesting their crops. This will be the last supermoon of the year, providing a great opportunity for skywatchers.
In Tennessee, summer officially ends on September 22 according to the autumnal equinox, or on August 31 according to the meteorological definition. The autumnal equinox occurs on September 23 and marks the start of fall, with equal amounts of daylight and darkness. The temperatures in Tennessee are expected to remain high in the high 80s and 90s throughout September, but evening temperatures will start to drop to the mid-60s by the end of August and beginning of September.