When does fall start?

When Does Fall *Really* Begin? A Simple Guide

Hello everyone! It's a question that pops up every year: When does fall actually start? It seems like a simple thing, but there are actually a couple of different answers depending on what you mean by "fall." Don't worrie, we'll break it down in a way that's easy to understand.

Understanding the Two "Falls"

Basically, there are two ways to think about the start of fall: meteorological fall and astronomical fall. Think of it like this: one is based on the weather, and the other is based on the position of the sun.

Meteorological Fall: The Weather-Based Approach

Meteorological fall always starts on September 1st. This is because meteorologists (scientists who study the weather) divide the year into four three-month seasons to make it easier to compare weather patterns and data. Grouping the months this way creates clear and consistent periods for analysis. So, from a weather perspective, fall is always September, October, and November.

It's kinda neat if you think about it. This grouping matches up pretty well with the general feeling of "fall-like" weather in many places – temperatures start to cool down, leaves begin to change, and we get ready for colder months.

Astronomical Fall: The Sun's Angle

Astronomical fall is tied to the Earth's orbit around the sun and the position of the sun relative to the Earth's equator. It begins with the autumnal equinox. This is the day when the sun crosses the celestial equator, an imaginary line in the sky above the Earth's equator. On this day, day and night are roughly equal in length all over the world (almost exactly 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of darkness).

The date of the autumnal equinox varies slightly each year because Earth's orbit isn't perfectly consistent. But, it usually falls between September 22nd and September 23rd.

A Handy Table to Remember

Type of Fall	Start Date	Based On
Meteorological Fall	September 1st	Consistent Weather Patterns
Astronomical Fall	September 22nd or 23rd (approximately)	Earth's Position Relative to the Sun

Why Does It Matter?

Well, for most of us, it doesn't *really* matter which definition we use. But, understanding the difference can be interesting. If you are a gardener, farmer, or someone who pays close attention to weather patterns for business reasons, the meteorological definition might be more useful. If you are interested in astronomy or just curious about the Earth's movements, the astronomical definition might appeal to you.

Example: Planning a Trip

Let's say you're planning a trip to see the fall foliage (the beautiful colors of the changing leaves). Knowing the difference between these two "falls" can help you plan. While meteorological fall starts on September 1st, the peak foliage season often depends on the region and weather conditions. In some areas, the best colors might not appear until late September or even October, closer to the astronomical start of fall.

In Summary

So, when does fall start? You have two options! Meteorological fall starts on September 1st and is based on consistent weather patterns. Astronomical fall starts with the autumnal equinox (around September 22nd or 23rd) and is based on the Earth's position relative to the sun. Choose the one that works best for you, or just enjoy the cooler weather, pumpkin spice lattes, and beautiful colors of the season!

I hope this explanation was clear and helpful. Enjoy the upcoming fall season!

Keywords: Fall, Autumn, Autumnal Equinox, Meteorological Fall, Astronomical Fall, Seasons, September, Weather, Equinox, Foliage

What is the autumnal equinox?

The autumnal equinox is the day when the sun crosses the celestial equator, resulting in roughly equal day and night hours all over the world. It marks the astronomical beginning of fall in the Northern Hemisphere.

Why is there a difference between meteorological and astronomical fall?

Meteorological fall is based on consistent weather patterns and a fixed calendar, making it useful for data comparison. Astronomical fall is based on the Earth's position relative to the sun, providing a more precise astronomical marker.

Does the date of the autumnal equinox change?

Yes, the date of the autumnal equinox can vary slightly each year, usually falling between September 22nd and September 23rd, due to the Earth's slightly variable orbit.

Which definition of fall is more important?

Neither definition is inherently "more important." It depends on your perspective and needs. Meteorologists use the meteorological definition for weather analysis, while astronomers and those interested in the Earth's movements may prefer the astronomical definition. You kan choose whichever you like!

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