autumnal equinox
Definition
- Noun:
- An astronomical event: The autumnal equinox is the precise moment when the Sun appears to cross the celestial equator, moving from north to south. This marks the beginning of astronomical autumn in the Northern Hemisphere.
- A calendar date: The term also commonly refers to the date (around September 22 or 23) on which this astronomical event occurs.
Usage
- The term is used to describe a specific astronomical phenomenon and its associated date.
- It is often discussed in contexts related to seasons, astronomy, calendars, and cultural celebrations.
Examples
- Noun:
- The autumnal equinox occurs when day and night are of approximately equal length.
- Many cultures have harvest festivals around the time of the autumnal equinox.
- This year, the autumnal equinox falls on September 22nd.
Advanced Usage
- "the September equinox": A common synonym, especially in the Northern Hemisphere.
- The September equinox is a time of balance between light and dark.
- In a metaphorical sense, it can symbolize balance, change, or transition.
- For her, the autumnal equinox represented a period of personal reflection and change.
Variants and Related Words
- Equinox (n): The general term for either of the two times in the year when the sun crosses the celestial equator. The autumnal equinox is one of the two annual equinoxes.
- Vernal equinox (n): The equinox in March, marking the beginning of spring in the Northern Hemisphere.
- Celestial equator (n): The projection of Earth's equator onto the celestial sphere, which the Sun crosses during an equinox.
Synonyms
- September equinox: The more precise astronomical term for the autumnal equinox in the Northern Hemisphere.
- Fall equinox: A common informal term, especially in American English.
- First point of Libra (historical): An older astronomical term, as the Sun was once in the constellation Libra at this time (it is now in Virgo).
Related Phrases and Terms
- Equilux: The date when day and night are equal in length, which occurs a few days before or after the equinox due to atmospheric refraction.
- Harvest Moon: The full moon that occurs closest to the autumnal equinox.
- Mabon: A modern pagan holiday celebrated on the autumnal equinox.
Noun
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(astronomy) the equinoctial point that lies in the constellation of Virgo
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September 22
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