Say good bye to summer! The fall season officially arrives tonight at 8:54 PM with the Autumnal Equinox. We’re here to explain how it all comes about.
1. Blame the Earth’s tilt
Our friendly planet is constantly spinning, but not like a top. Earth is actually tilted 23.5° to one side. As we journey around the Sun, this lean results in our seasons. Our summer arrives when the Northern Hemisphere angles toward the Sun, receiving more direct light. Winter comes when the opposite happens. The Equinoxes occur when sunlight is shared most evenly around the globe.
2. NOT the distance from the Sun
The Earth is actually closest to the Sun in January and farthest away in July. The difference is just too small to matter. It’s like standing several feet away from a heater and moving a couple inches either way. You don’t notice.
3. Get ready for fall colors!
As days continue to shorten, all of those leaves will start changing. Less daylight and lower temperatures cause chemical reactions that break down the green pigment in most leaves, allowing the bright reds, yellows, and oranges to appear.
4. Only 89 days until winter
Mark your calendars for the Winter Solstice on December 21st at 4:23 PM. Something to look forward to? Or not? Take your pick.
