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The Autumnal Equinox kicks off the beginning of fall this Thursday

Astronomical Fall Begins Thursday Evening
Autumn Equinox
Posted at 10:07 AM, Sep 17, 2022
and last updated 2022-09-17 10:07:49-04

WEST MICHIGAN — The Autumnal Equinox kicks off the beginning of fall. This date marks the start of fall in the Northern Hemisphere and spring in Southern Hemisphere.

This year, the equinox arrives on Thursday, September 22, 2022 at 9:04 P.M.

During the equinox the Sun crosses what we call the 'celestial equator' which is an imaginary extension of Earth equator line into space. The equinox is when the Sun's center passes through the line.

Following the equinox, the days become shorter than the nights as the sun continues to rise later and nightfall arrives earlier. This period will end at the winter solstice, when days lengthen again.

Around this time fall foliage tends to get ready to start peaking within the coming months.