Autumnal Equinox 2008 - First Day of Fall

It's September 22, the first day of fall. Astronomers call this day the autumnal equinox. The word equinox derives from two Latin words meaning "equal night." It is one of only two days in the year (the other being the vernal or spring equinox) when the sun is directly perpendicular to the equator, resulting in exactly 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of darkness. The sun rises at the South Pole today for the first time in six months. In the northern hemisphere it's harvest time.

• Fall Equinox Facts
• Harvest Festivals
• Harvest Moon
• The Moon in Folklore and Science
• Autumn Clip Art
• Balance an Egg Today!
• Halloween Is Right Around the Corner