Did you know that...

Today, September 22, marks the first day of Fall 2010.

Technically known as the Autumnal Equinox, the first day of Fall 2010 is symbolic in many ways. It is during this time that the sun is directly above the Earth’s equator, resulting in an exactly equal time period for day and night.

Days gradually begin to shorten after the sun passes the June (Summer) solstice. However, it isn’t until November 7 that it will be required to wind the clocks back.

It should be noted that the farther south one heads, the warmer the weather. Therefore, only areas in the Northern Hemisphere are directly affected by the first day of Fall 2010. Every other area will only slowly begin to have shorter days and colder weather.

Autumnal Equinox 2010 is the appropriate term for the day. By definition, an equinox occurs when the tilt of the Earth is neither away from or towards the sun but directly even instead. An equinox occurs twice every year.