The article from WUSA9 explains the difference between meteorological and astronomical fall, two terms that are commonly used but often misunderstood. Meteorological fall and astronomical fall are both methods of tracking seasons used by scientists, but they are based on different systems.
Meteorological fall is based on the annual temperature cycle and calendar. It is divided into four three-month seasons, with fall defined as September, October, and November in the Northern Hemisphere. This method is used primarily by meteorologists and climatologists for record keeping and making seasonal forecasts as it aligns more closely with the temperature cycle than the astronomical seasons. It also allows for consistent comparison between seasonal and monthly statistics.
On the other hand, astronomical fall is based on the position of the Earth in relation to the Sun, also known as the Earth’s tilt and orbit. The start of this fall is marked by the Autumnal Equinox, which usually happens around September 22 or 23 in the Northern Hemisphere, and it ends at the Winter Solstice, around December 21 or 22. During the Autumnal Equinox, the Sun is directly over the equator, resulting in almost equal day and night across the globe.
While both definitions of fall are valid, the one being referred to can often depend on the context. Meteorologists and climatologists are more likely to refer to meteorological fall, while astronomers and the general public often refer to astronomical fall.
The article also mentions the impact of climate change on these seasons. As global temperatures continue to rise, meteorological seasons are becoming less defined. Continual monitoring of these changes by scientists is crucial to understanding the effects of climate change and developing strategies to mitigate its impact.
In summary, while meteorological and astronomical fall are based on different systems – one on the annual temperature cycle and calendar and the other on the Earth’s tilt and orbit – both serve important purposes in science and in our understanding of the world’s climate and the changing seasons.
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