23rd September: FIRST DAY OF AUTUMN 2014

Autumn is not only a wonderful time of year with crunchy, colorful leaves and cooler weather, but it is also a great time to learn some new autumn facts for kids. When you think of autumn, you probably think of cooler weather, going back to school, Halloween and falling leaves, but what else do you know about the season?

 

Autumn Facts

• There is no fixed time period for the season of Autumn. It can shift from year to year. This is because the earth’s orbit is not perfect. Although most people are not aware of it, the first day and last day of autumn generally shift about 24 hours every year. 
• The beginning of autuman generally falls between September 21 and September 23 depending on the year. This day is known as the autuman equinox. On this day the amount of sun and the amount of night are equal, which is the same as the Spring equinox. 
• The last day of Autumn falls on December 21 to December 23.
• Autumn is also known as "fall" because the leaves fall off of deciduous trees during the season. 
• Leaves require sunlight, water, chlorophyll and carbon dioxide to make food for themselves.
• As winter approaches, leaves make a coating for themselves which blocks their water source; in the absence of water, the leaves no longer produce chlorophyll (chlorophyll is what makes leaves green).
• When the leaves turn colors in the fall, they actually are returning to their normal colors. During the summer months, the chlorophyll present in the leaves causes the leaves to turn green, blocking the leaves’ actual colors.
• Along with chlorophyll, leaves contain two other chemicals that cause coloring. The first is called xanthophyll, which is yellow in color. The other is carotene, which is orange in color.
• Red and purple leaves are actually caused by the presence of sugars from sap that is trapped inside of the leaves.
• Once the leaves have turned brown, they are dead and no longer receive any nutrients.
• Halloween is a big part of autumn. Another holiday associated with autumn is Thanksgiving.
• There are only two days of the year when you can stand an egg on end. One of these days falls on the first day of autumn. To do this you will need and egg. It does not have to be hard-boiled. Place the egg on a hard flat surface on its largest end. Carefully pull your hands away and it should remain upright. This can only be done on the spring and fall equinox.
  

These autumn facts can help everyone enjoy the season even more. Have a happy fall!