While the meteorological start of fall coincides with the start of September, the astronomical start of fall isn’t until 8:03 PM CDT, on Sept. 22, the start of fall in the Northern Hemisphere and spring in the Southern Hemisphere.
Fact
The Autumn Equinox is caused by the tilt of the earth. Contrary to popular belief, days and night are not exactly equal on the equinox, but vary by about 10 minutes from the 12-hour mark. In Chicago, sunrise will occur at 6:38 am and sunset at around 6:48 pm.
Fact
In the days leading up the equinox, a local phenomenon known as “Chicagohenge” occurs, where sunsets and sunrises align perfectly with east-to-west streets in Chicago’s symmetrical street grid. (Of course, this will be true in any city with symmetrical east-west streets.) The gorgeous views will be best visible along the street grid just after sunrise and just before sunset, with the sun most closely aligning with the city’s grid between Sept. 21 and Sept. 23.
* I can personally attest to this phenomenon: while seated in my recliner sipping my coffee these early mornings, the rising sun hits me squarely in the eyes.
Fiction (?)
It is true that you can stand an egg on its end on the equinox, but if you have the time, patience, and steadiness of hand you can do it on any other day of the year as well. The feat simply takes the right egg (with the yolk centered in the shell), a little practice, and a lot of patience.
* I successfully accepted the challenge during the spring equinox many years ago. Has anyone else given it a go? Anyone game to try? (Note: nothing need be said if your experiment fails. Just stay calm and eat the silly egg.)