Liputan6.com, Jakarta Equinox is a natural event that occurs every year, where the position of the Sun is directly above the Equator. This event causes a change in seasons, either towards spring or autumn, depending on where the observer is located.
Equinox itself comes from Latin, namely āaequusā which means equal and ānoxā which means night. This term refers to the fact that at the time of the equinox, the amount of time during which the Sun rises and sets is nearly equal to that of the night throughout the world. In other words, day and night have the same duration when the equinox occurs.
Seasonal changes are caused by the tilt of the Earthās axis towards the ecliptic, which is the plane formed by the Earthās orbit around the Sun. When the Earth is in the equinox position, the Earthās axis is not inclined to one side, so that sunlight equally illuminates both hemispheres of the Earth. This results in day and night having the same duration throughout the world.
Equinox occurs twice a year, namely in March and September. In March, the equinox is known as the vernal equinox or spring equinox, while in September it is known as the autumn equinox. This event has an important role in determining the change of seasons in various parts of the Earth.
In several cultures, the equinox has different meanings and traditions. Some cultures consider the equinox an important moment to celebrate the beginning of a season, such as a celebration of new life, the triumph of nature, or a celebration of the harvest. Meanwhile, scientists and astronomers also often use the equinox event as a reference for observing and studying the movement of the Sun and the solar system.
In this way, the equinox is an interesting natural phenomenon and has a big influence on seasonal changes. This event also provides further understanding of astronomy and provides an opportunity to celebrate life and the extraordinary universe.
To understand more deeply what the equinox is, see the complete explanation below as summarized by Liputan6.com from various sources, Thursday (21/3/2024).