Autumnal Equinox and GPS
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Autumnal Equinox and GPS
It would appear that the autumnal equinox is on 23rd September. The equinox is when day and night are equal length, yes? So, I presume that means that sunset is 12 hours after sunrise.
On my GPS, for 23 September, sunrise is shown as 05:28 utc and sunset as 17:40 utc. i.e 12 hours and 12 minutes. So the night is shorter than the day.
Now, on 26th September, sunrise is 05:33 and sunset 17:33 - equal day and night.
A quick visit on the web to a selection of world clocks and almanacs confirms the times in my GPS.
So why isn't the 26th September the equinox? Or else, the equinox is not the date on which day and night are equal.
Or is it just me?
GB
On my GPS, for 23 September, sunrise is shown as 05:28 utc and sunset as 17:40 utc. i.e 12 hours and 12 minutes. So the night is shorter than the day.
Now, on 26th September, sunrise is 05:33 and sunset 17:33 - equal day and night.
A quick visit on the web to a selection of world clocks and almanacs confirms the times in my GPS.
So why isn't the 26th September the equinox? Or else, the equinox is not the date on which day and night are equal.
Or is it just me?
GB
http://aa.usno.navy.mil/faq/docs/RST_defs.html
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: North West UK
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It all depends on exactly where you are.... just have a look at the variations in SR and SS times across the UK in your flight guide. If you REALLY want to get confused, try 'Google-ing' sundials!