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Perfectly Imperfect Life..........

Monday, September 22, 2014

Happy Autumnal Equinox!


Autumn begins on Tuesday, September 23, 2014
and ends on Sunday, December 21, 2014


Things I  didn't know about Fall, did you?
Meteorologists consider September 1 the first day of Autumn.
But for those who prefer defining the seasons by astronomy, the autumnal equinox, which occurs
Monday night at 10:29 p.m. ET,
marks the end of summer and
the beginning of Fall in Earth’s Northern Hemisphere.
1. Nearly equal daylight in both hemispheres
During the fall equinox, the sun can be seen at zenith before its direct rays shift into the Southern Hemisphere for the next six months. Neither of Earth’s hemispheres is tilted toward the sun, which results in roughly 12 hours of daylight and darkness at all
latitudes      


2. Sunrise at due east, Sunset at due west 
Except at the North and South Pole, all latitudes on Earth see the sun rise at due east and set at due west on the September equinox. Until the winter solstice in December, the sun will continue to rise and set farther to the south
3. Fastest loss of daylight
Mid-latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere see the greatest loss of daylight around the fall equinox.  At higher latitudes, the decrease in daylight is even more pronounced.
4. Not quite equal day and night
A common misconception is that the equinox means equal day and night everywhere on Earth. In reality, this isn’t quite true.  Not until September 26, 2014 are sunrise and sunset exactly 12 hours apart. The main reason for this is atmospheric refraction, an optical phenomenon that allows us to see the sun even when it’s below the horizon. Most places in the Northern Hemisphere therefore don’t see an exact 12-hour day until after the autumnal equinox, typically between Sept. 25-28.
5. Fastest Sunsets and shortest twilight of the year
Careful sun observers may notice that around the fall equinox it gets dark not only earlier but also faster. And they’re right – the fastest transitions between day and night occur around the two equinoxes. This happens because the sun crosses the horizon at a slightly steeper angle than it does on the solstices. As a result, we see the sun appear and disappear from the horizon more quickly. The difference is subtle closer to the equator, but is much more noticeable in high latitudes.
6. A warmer version of the Spring Equinox
Due to seasonal temperature lag, the Autumnal Equinox in the Northern Hemisphere is generally much warmer than the Spring equinox in March – even though both days receive the same amount of incoming solar energy. Since oceans cover 71 percent of the planet, and water takes longer than air to heat up and cool down, it takes a while for the Northern Hemisphere to respond to a drop in incoming solar energy. This is why even though the days are shorter, it’s not uncommon to get a period of summer-like weather in October.
Yet, while Autumn is known for its pleasant weather, the September Equinox is a melancholy reminder that we’ll be seeing much less of the sun for the next six months.

More lovely Fall images for you to enjoy

now sit and relax......




12 comments:

  1. HI Deb, love this fall lesson about the equinox. When I was growing up, fall always started on the 21st now the calenders say 23rd so all this was good to read.
    Thank you for sharing.
    Wishing you a special fall.
    Hugs

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    1. Hi Celeste, I thought it was interesting too, guess I hadn't really thought about it before oops ;) Glad you enjoyed it ♥ Have a great week!
      *hugs*deb

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  2. I didn't know any of those things. Looks like I'm getting here just in time to wish you a Happy Autumnal Equinox friend!!! Love those pretty pictures you've shared. I was so hoping (unsuccessfully) that this fall we would get to travel up to NC or further. It's just so gorgeous this time of year and everyone decorates! I love riding though all the small historical towns and seeing all the cute shops that I can only window shop at. lol Thanks for stopping by and leaving me such a sweet comment. I enjoyed reading it so much. The only problem is I reply there but know one ever knows that I'm not ignoring them, dang it. I hope you struggles are getting less and less and your enjoying some fall temps there. OXOX's....Tracy

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    1. Well I'm glad I wasn't the only one that had no idea about any of this! LOL I have thought of the same thing. I reply here and no one knows. It should post here and on whomever your replying to's post. How the heck do you say that? I know to's isn't a word, oh well, you know what I mean!! That would have been great to take a little trip to see the Fall colors and window shopping. Window shopping used to be a big deal when I was a kid..what ever happened? My kids just don't enjoy it unless they're buying! Different generation I guess :/ I've been dying to go for a day tri[p somewhere too. But believe me Fall is no where is sight. We'd have to stay in the car with the AC running! LOL XOXOXO
      *hugs*deb

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  3. Lovely collection of autumn photos. Too many to pick a favorite.

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    1. So glad you dropped by to enjoy them!
      *hugs*deb

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  4. Such a neat time of year,, everyone seems to get in a celebratory mood, gearing up for holidays to come. Lovely photos, I love all the colors of autumn and fall.

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    1. Me too, I just don't love all the pruning! LOL Glad you enjoyed them. Have a great week ♥
      *hugs*deb

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  5. Fall is a lovely season, these are some great images that I have really enjoyed looking at each one of hem.

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  6. Hello Deb, it's been too long! Fall already? I can't believe it. Love the photos, the one with the iron gate made me stop in my tracks.

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    1. I hear ya! I want that gate!!! Missed talking to you, need to remedy that, if real life would just get out of my way! LOL xoxox
      *hugs*deb

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I'd love for you to leave me a comment. Helps me to know I'm not totally crazy...like my family thinks I am!
*hugs*deb

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