Kim Vialpando
The Paw Print
This past weekend Zacheis Planetarium presented “A Change In Time.” The event was held Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, and was free and open to ASC college students, faculty, and the community members.
The show explored the autumnal equinox and how it ties in with current science as well as ancient culture. The autumnal equinox happens when the sun’s disk crosses the celestial equator, an imaginary line that projects out from the Earth’s equator. This year’s autumnal equinox took place on September 23. It is also referred to as the September equinox. Another equinox occurs in March.
Autumnal equinox is the day that is said to be exactly 12 hours of day and 12 hours of night. An autumnal equinox occurs when the sun sets due west and rises due east, and the moon is usually full and is referred to as the harvest moon.
Many myths and stories surround this day. A Jewish superstition suggests that during the equinox a mysterious being poisons the water which can no longer be consumed. This is also marks the day that the Greeks believe that Persephone returns to her husband Hades in the underworld. Other cultures believe it is a day to reflect back on failures and successes from previous months; some believe that on this day rituals should be performed to promise safety and security.
Autumnal equinox is often celebrated because it marks the end of summer season and starts the fall. In Japan, this event is celebrated as a national holiday, and the Buddhist religion dedicates a week to it. Other countries and religions often have festivals or large feasts to celebrate. After the equinox the days are shorter and become more balanced.
If you are interested in learning more about the science department please be sure to check out Grizzly Robotics on Thursday at 4 p.m. and Science Saturday at both 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.
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