Equinox occurs twice a year (around March 20 and September 22) when the day and night have approximately equal length. The name equinox is derived from Latin words aequus (equal) and nox (night).
In Delhi, an NGO, SPACE (Science Popularisation Association of Communicators and Educators) will encourage school students and science enthusiasts to observe the equinox day by conducting various experiments using sundial at Bara Pullah here.
Under the NGO's 'Project Paridhi: Measure the Earth Again', students will take actual measurements of the shadows made by the Sun to compute the size of the Earth and its shape as was done centuries ago by Greek astronomer Eratosthenes, the first person to calculate the circumference of the Earth.
On the equinox day, the Sun moves across the celestial equator, which lies directly above the Earth's equator. During the crossing, the Sun rises exactly in the east and sets exactly in the west.
The exact time of the equinoxes are not fixed but fall about six hours later every year, amounting to one full day in four years which in turn makes a leap year, Devgun said.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
