The autumnal and vernal (spring) equinox are events in astronomy when the sun is observed to be directly above the equator. At these two times of year when the sun crosses the equator, the day and night are of approximately equal length. The date of each equinox changes each year.

The 2007 autumnal equinox will take place on September 23, 2007 at 5:51 a.m. EDT. The sun crosses the celestial equator from north to south, marking the beginning of autumn in the Northern Hemisphere.

In pagan times, the autumn equinox was a time for a variety of festivals. That tradition has continued through today, as the beginning of autumn is celebrated with an array of fall and harvest festivals.

Many people see these festivals as the last time to celebrate outdoors until the spring. It’s also the time when things start gearing up for Halloween. Several cities hold pumpkin festivals, hay rides and other harvest events.

• Autumnal Equinox – Understand why dates of the equinox change.
• Astronomy – Learn more about Astronomy.
• Pumpkin Festivals – Find a pumpkin festival near you.
• Halloween – Get information about Halloween.