FROM THE WEATHER CENTER by John Simon
The Fall Equinox
The fall (autumnal) equinox falls on September 22, 2020 in the Northern hemisphere, and it is the date on which day and night are approximately (but not exactly) the same length because the sun is directly above the equator. This doesn’t last for an entire day, and is in reality just a moment in time every year.
Temperatures in the Northern Hemisphere start out hot or warm and then slowly get cooler as the days go on. This is also a signal to the animals to go into hibernation or deep sleep, and the pants and trees die or go to sleep.
Many cultures and religions, including the ancient Mayans, celebrate holidays and festivals around the equinox. In Greek mythology, the fall equinox was closely linked to the goddess of the harvest, Demeter, but that is a story for another time.
The fall equinox reminds us to slowly get ready for winter. Here’s hoping that this winter will be warm, and with not much snow, as well.