![]() The vernal equinox in the southern hemisphere occurs around September 20, when people in the north celebrate the autumnal equinox. The spring, or vernal, equinox for the northern hemisphere takes place around March 20, the same day as the south's autumnal equinox. Day and night during the equinoxes are supposed to be close to equal. On these days, the planet's axis is pointed parallel to the sun, rather than toward or away from it. In both hemispheres, the summer solstice marks the first day of astronomical summer, while the winter solstice is considered the first day of astronomical winter.Įquinoxes are another significant day during Earth's journey around the sun. The south's summer solstice occurs around December 21, the winter solstice for the north. The summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere occurs around June 21, the same day as the winter solstice in the Southern Hemisphere, according to NOAA. The summer and winter solstice, the longest and shortest day of the year, occurs when Earth's axis is either closest or farthest from the sun. The astronomical definition of the seasons relates to specific points in Earth's trip around the sun. During these times of the year, the hemispheres experience spring and autumn. Īt other locations in Earth's annual journey, the axis is not tilted toward or away from the sun. During these times, the hemisphere tipped toward the star experiences summer, while the hemisphere tilted away from the sun experiences winter, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). At different times during the year, the northern or southern axis is closer to the sun. The planet rotates around an (invisible) axis. The cycle of seasons is caused by Earth's tilt toward the sun. People closer to the poles might experience icier, more frigid winters, while those closer to the equator might suffer hotter summers. This is because it gets fairly constant light from the sun, due to its position on the outer curve of the Earth, according to the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) program.įor areas to the north and south, the seasons can change more significantly. Regions near the equator experience fairly constant temperatures throughout the year, with balmy winters barely discernible from warm summers. The timing and characteristics of the seasons depend upon the location on Earth. The Indian festival of Diwali, for example, which takes place between October and November, celebrates the triumph of righteousness, and light over darkness. "In a similar way to the Autumnal theme, Winter festivals celebrate the return of the light during a time of deepest physical darkness," said De Rossi. Animals find ways to warm themselves and may have changed their appearance to adapt. Some areas may experience snow or ice, while others see only cold rain. ![]() "Thanksgiving in the United States is a historical commemoration but it has a spiritual dimension strongly associated with homecoming and giving praise for what has been bestowed upon us," Cristina De Rossi, an anthropologist at Barnet and Southgate College in London, told Live Science. ![]() ![]() Various cultures have celebrated bountiful harvests with annual festivals. Animals might prepare themselves for the upcoming cold weather, storing food or traveling to warmer regions. In the autumn, or fall, temperatures cool again. Related: Wildfires: Causes, costs & containment Autumn (Fall)
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