Today marks the autumnal equinox — the moment day and night stand in near-perfect balance. In its honor, today's quiz spins around the season turning, the science of light and shadow, and the harvest that follows. Five questions, one point each. No cheating until you've given it an honest shot!
On the equinox, roughly how many hours of daylight and darkness does most of the world experience?
What is the astronomical term for the point where the sun crosses the celestial equator, marking the start of a new season?
In the Northern Hemisphere, the September equinox marks the first day of which season?
Which harvest festival, traditionally held near the autumn equinox in Britain and other cultures, celebrates the gathering of crops?
The Earth's tilt on its axis — the reason we have seasons at all — is approximately how many degrees from vertical?
Good luck — check your answers below once you've locked in your five!
Answers
Twelve hours each of daylight and darkness (approximately equal, hence "equinox," Latin for "equal night")
Equinox
Autumn (fall)
Harvest Festival
About 23.5 degrees