The Know Daily - Wednesday 23 September 2026

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🍂 The autumn equinox

The autumn equinox is here, bringing the official start of astronomical autumn in the Northern Hemisphere – but what actually happens when the seasons change?

Tell me more.
The equinox is the moment when the Sun crosses the celestial equator, moving southwards in our sky. In the UK, that happens at 1:05am BST on 23 September, after which nights gradually become longer and days shorter as we head towards the winter solstice. The name comes from the Latin aequus (equal) and nox (night), but day and night aren't actually equal on the equinox itself. Because of the way we measure sunrise and sunset and the way light bends through the atmosphere, we get a little more daylight than darkness. The true balance point, known as the equilux, comes a few days later. 

So why is it important?
For astronomers, the equinox is the official start of autumn in the Northern Hemisphere and spring in the Southern Hemisphere. For everyone else, BBC Weather has told us it's nature's way of announcing that summer is winding down: cooler mornings, earlier sunsets and increasingly cosy evenings. It also has a neat astronomical quirk – around the equinox, the Sun rises roughly due east and sets roughly due west. 

Is this a good time to reset then?
There’s no official equinox ritual, but the change of season can be a good excuse to pause and reset. Therapist Kat Grassetti spoke to Vice and suggests using it to reflect on what you want to leave behind, spend some time outside, cook something seasonal or simply take stock of what you're grateful for. Think less new year, new you and more of a fresh season for a little check-in.

And what’s going on in the sky?
If you're into astrology, the equinox also marks the Sun moving from Virgo into Libra, bringing themes of balance, relationships and harmony to the forefront. Vogue suggests the seasonal shift is a good moment for all the signs to slow down and take stock – whether that means making space for other people's opinions, getting your routines in order or simply giving yourself a bit more time to rest. And for any Libras out there? Well, apparently, this is your moment.

This multivitamin has been popping up in all of the mum WhatsApp groups lately (and we can see why!). Oh, and you can get 50% off 👀*

❤️‍🩹 Statutory bereavement rights in the UK have just been expanded to include women and their partners who suffer a pregnancy loss prior to 24 weeks.

• The bigger story: Some of the OGs might remember The Know’s #LeaveAfterLoss campaign when we partnered with the Miscarriage Association to raise awareness for the roughly 150,000 working women in the UK who experience a miscarriage each year and their right to paid leave. We’re so happy change is happening 💕

🐆 A new species of wild cat has been discovered in the forests of Bolivia – but right now, only one member has been found. 

🤝 The first face-to-face meeting between Prime Minister Andy Burnham and US President Donald Trump took place yesterday, with Burnham stating the pair had “established a good connection”.

🎤 A UK startup has secured $20m in funding to recreate classic concerts by turning musicians into digital avatars.

📖 The Booker Prize shortlist for 2026 has been unveiled, with two previous winners making the cut. 

💼 A new workplace trend called “stability stacking” is catching on with millennials – and it could change the way we think about having a “secure” career, according to Glassdoor.

🍸 The cocktail party problem has offered neuroscientists new insights into how our brains work. 

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Trivia answer: B) The amoeba was recently found at Lassen Volcanic National Park in California, thriving in hot springs.

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