fall equinox
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: 1. The autumnal equinox; the moment in the fall (autumn) when the sun crosses the celestial equator, making day and night of approximately equal length all over the earth. This occurs around September 22nd or 23rd in the Northern Hemisphere, marking the official beginning of astronomical autumn.
Usage
The term "fall equinox" is used to denote a specific astronomical event and the point in time it occurs. - It is often discussed in contexts of astronomy, seasons, and cultural celebrations. - It is typically used with the definite article "the" (e.g., the fall equinox).
Examples
- Noun:
- The fall equinox occurs when the sun is directly above the equator.
- Many cultures have harvest festivals that coincide with the fall equinox.
- After the fall equinox, the nights become longer than the days in the Northern Hemisphere.
Advanced Usage
- "the fall equinox": Used to refer to the specific date or event itself.
- The exact time of the fall equinox varies slightly from year to year.
Variants and Related Words
- Autumnal equinox: A direct synonym for "fall equinox," more common in formal or scientific contexts.
- September equinox: Another synonym, specifying the month in which it usually occurs in the Northern Hemisphere.
- Equinox: The general term for either of the two times in the year when day and night are of equal length (the vernal/spring equinox and the autumnal/fall equinox).
Synonyms
- Autumnal equinox
- September equinox
Antonyms
- Vernal equinox (or spring equinox): The equinox occurring in March, marking the beginning of spring in the Northern Hemisphere.
Related Phrases
- Equilux: A separate but related concept referring to the date when day and night are equal in length, which occurs a few days before the spring equinox and after the fall equinox due to atmospheric refraction.