Fall officially arrives in Iowa today, September 22, marking the beginning of astronomical autumn in the Northern Hemisphere.
The autumnal equinox occurs at approximately 7:05 p.m. Central Daylight Time. The equinox marks the moment the sun crosses the Earth’s equator, bringing the transition from summer to fall.
As the season changes, Iowans can expect cooler temperatures, changing leaves, and shorter daylight hours in the weeks ahead. The days will continue to grow shorter as we move toward the winter solstice in December.
While the equinox is often associated with equal hours of daylight and darkness, the two are not exactly 12 hours each in most locations. The difference is influenced by atmospheric refraction and how sunrise and sunset are measured.
For many, the arrival of fall means enjoying cooler weather, seasonal activities, football, and the changing colors of the Iowa landscape.
Source: Timeanddate.com and NASA Science.
