Summer has certainly felt like it has come and gone in a jiffy, with today marking the official end of astronomical summer in the Southern Hemisphere. For all you cold weather bugs out there, though, welcome to astronomical autumn. Hurrah!

Regardless of where you find yourself in the big, wide world, today is one of only two times in the year in which night and day are both 12 hours for everyone (approximately). While the March equinox might pass you by without a thought to spare, for many cultures around the world this unique day of shifting astronomical seasons is one to celebrate. We’ve rounded up a few for you to peruse, so you can travel to these corners of the globe while staying put in the oncoming autumnal glow.

CHICHEN ITZA (MEXICO) One of the most popular places to witness the March equinox in all of Mexico, Chichen Itza is an ancient pyramid that welcomes thousands of visitors each year to its ruins. As the sun grazes over this feat of Mayan architecture, shadows of serpents crawl their way down the stairs of the mind-blowing structure. While the effect of the light lasts for a few days around the equinox, the real show unfolds on the official day.

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Chichen Itza (@chichenitza_)

STONEHENGE (ENGLAND) If you’re partial to a wee bit of Paganism, then Stonehenge is the place for you for the March equinox. This mysterious relic of ancient ritual and spiritual experience invites hundreds of visitors each year to the grandiose circle of stones to watch as the sun rises above the rocks. Pagans and Druids gather to welcome spring with historical traditions that are believed to cleanse the blood and the spirit. While that sounds pretty narly, the traditional dandelion cordial that is served does sound quite splendid.

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Stonehenge Stone Circle (@stonehengestonecircle)

ANGKOR EQUINOX (CAMBODIA) Take a trip to Cambodia’s Siem Reap and discover the beauty of the equinox at the ancient temple of Angkor Wat. Visitors arrive at this hub of history and culture in the wee hours of the morning – as early as a doozy 3am – to find the perfect spot to watch this display of light, architecture and nature. As the sun lifts up over the horizon, it aligns perfectly with the temple’s central tower to create a picture of magical beauty and sacred experience. Beware – jaws have a tendency to drop to the floor as the show unfolds.

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Cambodian (@khmermemes)