Happy Fall Equinox

Posted by Suzanne Lilly

Twitter @SuzanneLilly

Image by Jane Fearby on sxc.hu

Yes, it's that time year, folks. No, I'm not thinking about "Talk Like A Pirate Day," which was September 19th. I'm thinking about the Fall Equinox, the time when the Earth is tipping into autumn, and for one delicious day, we'll have equal amounts of sunlight and darkness.

It also means the Sun rises due East, and sets due West. So, if you need to know exactly where East and West are on your horizon, and you happen to have lost your trusty scouting compass, go outside at sunrise or sunset. Look at the horizon as the Sun touches it. Make a note of where it is in relation to the trees or buildings around you. That way, all year long, you'll have a reference point for the cardinal directions. Just in case you wanted one.

Even more exciting than the Fall Equinox is the Harvest Moon. The Harvest Moon is this year's full moon occurring on September 29th. No, it doesn't have any special characteristics different from other full moons. The Harvest Moon is simply the full moon closest to the Fall Equinox. However, it usually looks a bit orange, and sometimes even red, because you can see it early in the evening. The atmosphere gives a warm color to the moonrise. It's the perfect time to take a spooky autumn evening photo with a huge orange moon in the background. Perhaps throw a haystack or scarecrow into the montage.

Some trivia about the Autumnal Equinox and Harvest Moon:

• Everyone on Earth in every location has an equal amount of sunlight and nighttime during the Fall Equinox. Can I get an, "Ahhhh?"
• The pagans celebrate the Fall Equinox as Mabon. Can I get an, "Ooohhh?"
• Supposedly during the Fall Equinox it's possible to balance an egg on its end. Give me a "Wow!" 

Now please don't spend all day trying to balance that egg, friends. I believe it's just an urban legend, unless someone reading this can prove me wrong.

Would you care to share your own fun facts or trivia about the Fall Equinox or Harvest Moon? I'd love to read them.