Elongasjonssonene

Elongasjonssonene, also known as the equinoxes, are the two moments in the year when the Sun crosses the celestial equator, resulting in nearly equal day and night lengths worldwide. These events occur twice a year, around March 20-21 and September 22-23. The term "elongasjonssonene" is derived from the Latin words "aequus" meaning equal, and "nox" meaning night.

During the equinoxes, the Sun's rays are directly overhead at the equator, casting no shadows at noon. This phenomenon is due to the Earth's axial tilt of approximately 23.5 degrees, which causes the Sun's position in the sky to vary throughout the year. At the equinoxes, the tilt is neither towards nor away from the Sun, resulting in equal lengths of day and night.

The March equinox, known as the vernal equinox in the Northern Hemisphere and the autumnal equinox in the Southern Hemisphere, marks the beginning of spring in the Northern Hemisphere and autumn in the Southern Hemisphere. Conversely, the September equinox, known as the autumnal equinox in the Northern Hemisphere and the vernal equinox in the Southern Hemisphere, marks the beginning of autumn in the Northern Hemisphere and spring in the Southern Hemisphere.

The equinoxes have been celebrated by various cultures throughout history, often marking significant cultural and religious events. In modern times, the equinoxes are celebrated as symbols of balance, renewal, and the changing of the seasons.