On our journey around the Sun we pass through two periods of time and space that cause a cool phenomenon called the "Equinoxes". On September 21, 2018 the Autumnal or "Fall" Equinox occurred. The Earth in it's tilted position in space, crosses a "celestial" line that causes the shadows on Earth to be nearly equal. At this time of year, we can really say good-bye to summer. The days after the Autumnal equinox get shorter and shorter. Because we don't see the sun as long, the days get colder and colder, the weather changes and we need to wear coats and boots when we are outside. Another interesting fact about the equinox is that is happens at the same time all around the world! Equinox means: "equi=equal and "nox"= night. There is a difference between the longest day, June 21st and the shortest day, December 21. The shadows are definitely different: Observe closely the shadows on the Earth during the Equinox and the Solstices. (Shortest day and longest day.) This change we see from space affects animals here on the Earth. They can tell when the light changes, they prepare for the colder weather and begin preparations for hibernation or gathering enough food for the cold winter. The same is true for the spring, the more daylight that appears will wake up animals, or bring them out of their dens. The autumnal equinox means the beginning of fall in the Northern Hemisphere, but for people in the Southern Hemisphere, it means the beginning of spring. Simple right?
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Mrs. TaylorI love science! Everything about the world is interesting and never boring. I love to study plants, animals, insects, and people. My favorite subjects are my students who are the most unique organisms on the planet! Categories |