Either of the two points at which the Sun’s apparent yearly path (the ecliptic) intersects the celestial equator; or the dates on which this occurs—on March 20 (vernal equinox) and September 22 or 23 (autumnal equinox). These points are also known as the first point of Aries and the first point of Libra. When the term ‘equinox’ is used without qualification, the vernal (spring) equinox is meant. Around the time of the equinoxes, night and day are equal in length the world over. The equinox is not a fixed point, but moves because of precession and nutation. If only precession is taken into account, the resulting point is known as the mean equinox of date. If, however, nutation is also included, the point is known as the true equinox.