Equinox Fast Facts

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CNN Editorial Research

Here’s a look at the equinox.

The equinox occurs twice a year when the sun is directly above the Earth’s equator and day and night are of equal length.

Facts

September 22, 2021 – The autumnal equinox begins at approximately 19:21 UTC.

March 20, 2022 – The vernal equinox begins at approximately 15:33 UTC.

Calendar

The vernal equinox occurs in the Northern Hemisphere on March 19, 20 or 21. It marks the beginning of spring.

The autumnal equinox occurs in the Northern Hemisphere on September 22 or 23. It marks the beginning of fall.

The equinox marks the two times each year when day and night are the same length in all parts of the world.

An equinox is different from a solstice, where the sun hits its northernmost or southernmost position. Solstices mark the beginning of summer (June) and winter (December).

History and Facts

The term equinox comes from the Latin word equinoxium, meaning “equality between day and night.”

Easter always falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon after the vernal equinox.

The spring and fall equinoxes have played roles in a number of historical religious and cultural celebrations across the globe.

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