Project Paridhi is a flagship science initiative by Space India, designed to promote hands-on learning. Launched in 2010, it allows students to replicateAdding to the promise of cooler weather and the arrival of fall, September also marks the Equinox Ecliptic, a celestial event. For those in the northern hemisphere, the September equinox symbolizes the first day of fall, while those in the southern hemisphere celebrate the first day of spring. The spring equinox in the southern hemisphere and the autumnal equinox in the northern hemisphere coincide with this celestial alignment, which happens around September 22–23.
the method used by ancient Greek astronomer Eratosthenes to measure the Earth’s circumference. By observing and measuring the shadows cast by the sun at different locations during the day, students can calculate the Earth’s size, just as Eratosthenes did over 2,000 years ago. The project aims to demonstrate that science can be done using simple, everyday tools, making it more accessible and engaging for students.
It is a platform that proves science can be best learned by an experiment. It is open to all age groups and the public. It is typically conducted on days of Equinox.
This year the phenomenon is occurring on September 22 and the time of Equinox is 18:13 IST. Let’s explore the astronomical beauties of the Equinox Ecliptic and learn how to take advantage of this cosmic alignment in a little excursion.
The Sun and Earth Dance:
On the day of the equinox, the Sun’s annual journey through the zodiac constellations takes it across the celestial equator, giving everyone on Earth nearly exactly 12 hours of day and night. The word equinox comes from the Latin words; aequus (equal) and nox (night).
Wherever you reside on Earth, on the day of the equinox, the Sun will rise from the point on the horizon that is due east and set underneath the point that is due west.
“Latitude” and “Longitude” are special imaginary lines that help us find any place on Earth. Solar declination is a term used to describe where the sun is directly overhead. At the equinoxes, this happens at 0° latitude, which is the Equator.
Our Earth is a little tilted, so the sun isn’t always directly over the Equator. But during the equinoxes, the sun shines straight down at the Equator. This is called the subsolar point, where the sun’s rays make a perfect right angle with the Earth’s surface. The Earth’s tilt (23.5°) lines up with the sun during the equinox, and that’s why the sun seems to be exactly above the Equator.
Watch Planets and Views of Sunrise and Sunset:
Choose a location away from street lights for the best viewing. Locations with dark skies provide a canvas of celestial delights by making stars, planets, and the moon more visible.
Take a position that allows you to see the Sunset to the west or the Sunrise to the east.
The Sun rises in the east and sets in the west on the equinoxes, creating a captivating light on the horizon. The Equinox Ecliptic can become much more fascinating when planetary alignments occur. During this time, look for any noteworthy planetary presences or unusual cosmic happenings.
Reconnecting with the universe: The Equinox Ecliptic offers a chance for reflection and reconnection with the universe, in addition to being a beautiful spectacle. Think for a moment about the everlasting cycles that regulate our planet’s passage through space, the complicated ballet of celestial bodies, and the changing seasons.
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