The March equinox, also known as the Autumn equinox, marks the transition from summer to autumn in the southern hemisphere. The March equinox also means that almost everywhere will have roughly equal times of daylight and darkness!
The March equinox marks several astronomical phenomena, too. The Sun rises directly in the east and sets due west during the equinox. The Sun will also appear exactly halfway between its northernmost and southernmost location in the sky.
The exact time of the March equinox occurs when the sun is directly above the Earth’s equator. This year, this occurs on 20th March at 5.01pm for West Australians.
How does an equinox work?
For more info about how equinoxes work, check out the post made by our friends over at Stargazers Club WA
When is the equinox this year?
The March equinox for the southern hemisphere will occur on 20th March at 5.01pm.
Why is the equinox important?
Equinoxes mark events in calendars all around the world. For example, the equinox is involved in the changing date of Easter.
SEE MORE OF THE NIGHT
There’s always something interesting happening in the night sky. Visit an astrotourism town in country WA and see for yourself.