Fall 2023 began on Saturday, September 23 , marking the autumnal equinox in the Northern Hemisphere.

Astronomical Start

This date aligns with the exact moment when Earth's tilt causes day and night to be nearly equal, at around 2:50 a.m. ET. Astronomers use this equinox for seasonal boundaries, distinct from meteorological fall starting September 1.

Why the Date Varies

The equinox shifts slightly yearly due to Earth's orbit; in 2023, it fell on the 23rd rather than the 21st or 22nd. For context, it was September 22 in 2022 and later shifted for 2023's alignment.

Cultural Celebrations

Many cultures welcomed fall with harvest festivals, like the Harvest Moon near September 29, aiding farmers with extra evening light. In 2023, this sparked trends in pumpkin spice flavors and foliage viewing, peaking in October across the U.S.

Aspect| Details
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Exact Time| 2:50 a.m. ET, Sept 23 3
Duration| Until Dec 21 winter solstice 3
Meteorological Alternative| Sept 1–Nov 30 7

TL;DR: Fall 2023's official start was September 23 via the equinox—perfect for cozy transitions!

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.