Where does the autumnal equinox sun shine?

At the autumnal equinox, the sun shines directly at the equator of the earth.

Specific introduction:

The autumnal equinox is one of the 24 solar terms, which usually appears on September 22nd or 23rd every year. The sun shines directly on the equator of the earth, which means the appearance of day and night in the northern hemisphere and the southern hemisphere.

Specifically, at the autumnal equinox, the sun shines directly on the equatorial line of the earth, that is, the distance between the north and south poles of the earth and the sun is equal. This leads to the equal sunshine time in all regions of the earth, which leads to the equal share of day and night. It's about 12 hour during the day and 12 hour at night.

Differences between the northern hemisphere and the southern hemisphere:

At the autumn equinox in the northern hemisphere, the direct point of the sun is directly above the equator (0 degrees north latitude), which causes the northern hemisphere to enter autumn and the weather is getting colder. In the autumn equinox of the southern hemisphere, the direct point of the sun is directly below the equator (0 degrees south latitude), which causes the southern hemisphere to enter spring and the weather becomes warmer.

It should be noted that due to the eccentricity of the earth's orbit and the inclination of the earth's rotation axis, the specific location of direct sunlight may change slightly in the autumn equinox, but generally speaking, the location of direct sunlight is near the equator.

The significance of the autumnal equinox:

1, solar terms alternate:

The autumnal equinox marks the end of summer and the official arrival of autumn. It is an important solar term in the lunar calendar. It marks the alternation of seasons and represents the change of nature and periodic replacement.

2. Distribute day and night equally:

On the day of the autumnal equinox, the sun shines directly on the equator of the earth, resulting in equal time between day and night, each of which is 12 hour. This symbolizes that the forces of sunshine and darkness are in a state of balance, and it is the moment when yin and yang are handed over.

3, crop harvest:

At the autumnal equinox, most crops are ripe, which is the harvest season. People can harvest rice, fruits and other crops to prepare for winter.

4. Traditional festivals:

In China and some other Asian countries, the autumnal equinox is an important traditional festival. For example, in China, people celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival, which is a festival to celebrate harvest and family reunion.

Generally speaking, the autumnal equinox has the significance of marking the alternation of seasons, the balance of yin and yang, the bumper harvest of crops and traditional festivals.