The September Equinox, also known as the Spring or Vernal equinox, marks the Southern Hemisphere’s transition from winter to spring. The equinox also means that almost everywhere will have an equal number of hours of daylight and darkness.
What astronomical events are marked by the September equinox?
The September Equinox marks several astronomical phenomena. For example, the Sun rises directly in the east and sets due west during the equinox, and the Sun will also appear exactly halfway between its northernmost and southernmost locations in the sky.
The exact time of the September equinox occurs when the Sun is directly above the Earth’s equator. For West Australians, this will occur on 23 September at 8.05am this year.
Why do you call it the September Equinox?
We prefer to call the equinox the September Equinox rather than the Spring equinox because it happens in September, and because we recognise that we live on Nyoongar country in Western Australia.
The Nyoongar people observe six seasons, and in their calendar, the months of August and September are in the season of Djilba. These mark the start of the massive flowering explosion that happens in the South West.
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 September equinox for the southern hemisphere will occur on the 23rd of September this year at 8.05am.
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.
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