On Saturday, September 23, in the morning, the position of the Sun will be at the so-called Libra point, which marks the beginning of astronomical autumn. At this time of year, you will be able to see, among other things: a partial lunar eclipse, meteor showers and the covering of Venus by the moon.
Autumn will start exactly on Saturday at 8:50. This moment results from the sun’s path across the sky. Our diurnal star moves along what is called the ecliptic. The ecliptic intersects the celestial equator (which can be visualized as an extension of the Earth’s equator in space) at two points: Aries and Libra. These are the points of the spring and autumn equinoxes, respectively. Now the sun will pass the autumnal equinox.
However, the actual equinox occurs a little later, and is the result of the phenomenon of atmospheric refraction in the Earth’s atmosphere (objects are visible up to half a degree above the horizon even if they are actually behind it) and the current method of measuring sunrise and sunset (when the last part of the solar disk appears or Hiding behind the horizon.) Day and night will be in 3.5 days.
Astronomical autumn will last until December 22 at 4.27, when it gives way to astronomical winter.
Autumn will welcome us with a supermoon, the full moon that occurs when the moon is near the perigee of its orbit around Earth (September 29 at 11:58 a.m.).
On October 14, there will be an annular solar eclipse, but unfortunately this phenomenon will not be visible in Poland. The annular eclipse belt will pass through North America and South America.
At the end of October, you can see a partial lunar eclipse (from October 28 to 29). The phenomenon will begin at 8:02 pm in the form of a semi-shadow eclipse, and at 9:35 pm the moon’s disk will begin to enter the Earth’s shadow, and the maximum phase will occur at At 10:15 p.m., about one-eighth of the moon’s disk will be covered.
According to astronomers, the covering of Venus by the Moon will be spectacular on November 9. It will occur during the day, but it will be possible to see it using a telescope. The event will start at 10.57, and Venus will appear from behind the 12/14 silver globe disc.
Several meteor showers will be active in the fall. October 7 will see a maximum for Draconids, October 21/22 a maximum for Orionids, November 4/5 a maximum for Taurids, November 17/18 a maximum for Leonids, and November 13/14 a maximum for Geminids.
It will also be a good time for planetary observations, because practically only Mars will be invisible. At the beginning of autumn, Jupiter can be seen rising in the evening. Interestingly, Uranus can be seen halfway in the sky between Jupiter and the Pleiades, but you need a telescope to see this planet. In the evening, you can also catch a glimpse of Saturn. In contrast, when we look up at the sky in the morning, Venus shines brightly and Mercury appears low above the horizon. Through a telescope, you can enjoy watching the planet Neptune all night long.
On the first autumn evenings you will be able to see the International Space Station flying over Poland. The next series of visual flights will be carried out in early October and November, but this time in the morning, and again in the evening – in early November and December.
Interesting facts about autumn:
10 interesting facts about autumn:
autumnal equinoxThe astronomical beginning of autumn coincides with the date of the autumnal equinox, when day and night are equal in length. At this time, the Sun crosses the celestial equator, heading toward the southern sky.
Change the colors of the leaves: The mechanism of leaf color change is complex and linked to the presence of different pigments. Chlorophyll is responsible for the green color, but as the days shorten and temperatures drop, chlorophyll production stops, allowing other pigments such as carotenoids and anthocyanins to come to the fore.
Animal instinctsAutumn is a time when many animals prepare for winter. Some, like squirrels, gather supplies, others migrate to warmer regions.
Halloween: This popular holiday has its roots in ancient Celtic traditions. Initially, this holiday was associated with the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter.
Pumpkin seasonFall is the best time to eat pumpkin, a versatile ingredient in the kitchen. Pumpkin can be used to prepare soups, cakes and even drinks.
Change time: In Poland and many other countries, fall means a return from daylight saving time to standard time, which gives you an extra hour of sleep, but also shortens the length of the day.
Golden Polish autumn: The term “golden autumn” is often used in Poland to describe the beauty of the season. During this period, especially in October, the landscape is incredibly colorful, thanks to the variety of trees and shrubs that change the colors of their leaves. This period is especially beautiful in Polish forests and national parks.
Mood adjustment: For some people, fall may trigger seasonal affective disorder related to lack of sunlight and changes in circadian rhythm.
Seasonal dishesAutumn is a time of abundance of various types of fruits and vegetables, such as apples, pears, beets and many more, which enhances creativity in the kitchen and allows you to prepare many seasonal dishes.
Culinary traditions of PolandAutumn is the time when mushroom, cabbage and potato dishes dominate the Polish table. Traditional dishes, such as bigos or different types of potato pancakes, are especially popular during this period.
(Pictured is the golden Polish autumn of 2022 on the slopes of Mount Mogilica)
Echo Richards embodies a personality that is a delightful contradiction: a humble musicaholic who never brags about her expansive knowledge of both classic and contemporary tunes. Infuriatingly modest, one would never know from a mere conversation how deeply entrenched she is in the world of music. This passion seamlessly translates into her problem-solving skills, with Echo often drawing inspiration from melodies and rhythms. A voracious reader, she dives deep into literature, using stories to influence her own hardcore writing. Her spirited advocacy for alcohol isn’t about mere indulgence, but about celebrating life’s poignant moments.
