Equinoxes and Solstices

There are 4 events a year that usher in the new seasons, Spring Equinox, Summer Solstice, Fall Equinox and Winter Solstice. So what exactly are they and what’s the difference? This is a quick overview and summary of the solstices and equinoxes.

“What’s happening right now? The Fall Equinox also known as the Autumnal Equinox is September 22, 2026 (or September 23 depending where you are located). The sun will cross the celestial equator (which parallels the Earth’s equator but in space). This starts the cooler seasons for the northern hemisphere. This is an abundant time of year and great for harvesting through the Harvest Moon September 26, 2026.”

To put it simply, as the Earth moves around the Sun, the Earth is tilted. Half of the year, the Sun shines more on the northern half of Earth and that gives the northern half Spring and Summer. When the Sun shines more on the southern half of the planet, the northern part gets Fall and Winter.

For the southern half of the planet, it’s the opposite. When the Sun shines more on the northern half of the planet, the southern half has Fall and Winter. When the Sun shines more on the southern half, the southern half has Spring and Summer.

Equinox

Twice a year the Sun crosses over the northern and southern parts of the planet. The line the Sun crosses over is called the celestial equator. The celestial equator aligns with the Earth’s equator but in space. The Sun crosses the celestial equator on the Fall Equinox and the Spring Equinox. The Spring Equinox is also called the Vernal Equinox. The Fall Equinox is also called the Autumnal Equinox.

Spring Equinox, Vernal Equinox

Spring Equinox happens when the sun crosses the celestial equator moving into the northern half of the planet to start the warmer months. The Spring Equinox, also called the Vernal Equinox, is in March. This year it’s March 20.

Summer Solstice

Summer Solstice happens when the sun is at its highest point in the sky. The days start to get shorter but the weather gets warmer after the Summer Solstice. This year it’s June 21.

Fall Equinox, Autumnal Equinox

Fall Equinox happens when the sun crosses over the celestial equator moving into the southern half of the planet to start the cooler months. The Fall Equinox, also called the Autumnal Equinox, is in September. This year it’s September 22.

Winter Solstice

Winter Solstice happens when the sun is at its lowest point in the sky. The days start to get longer but the weather gets colder after the Winter Solstice. This year it’s December 21.