Seasons and calendars

Keeping track of time helps us make sense of our world. Explore how people around the world divide time and mark the changing years

The Royal Observatory and Planetarium buildings seen from above during Autumn

What and when is the autumnal equinox?

When is the autumnal equinox, what date does the autumnal equinox fall on and when does summer end?

Lunar new year dates and animals of the zodiac

Find out more about the new year festival celebrated by people across Asia

Composite image showcasing the motion of the Sun between the Summer and Winter Solstices

Summer and winter solstices explained – how the Sun determines the longest and shortest days of the year

Find out how the position of the Sun determines the longest and shortest days of the year in this special Royal Observatory Greenwich Illuminates extract

When does spring start?

Did you know there are actually three main definitions for the start of spring?

A red and yellow envelope made by folding. A small ox is drawn on the front.

How to make a Hongbao for the New Year

Create your own hongbao, using origami techniques, to celebrate the New Year.

Three lucky fish posters. Each is a red diamond with a pair of yellow or gold fish.

How to make a lucky fish poster for Lunar New Year

Create a lucky fish poster to decorate your home for Lunar New Year.

How do people celebrate Chinese New Year?

What happens during Chinese New Year? The Newham Chinese Association explain some of the traditions, festivals and customs that take place when Chinese New Year is celebrated.

Image of a silhouette of a bridge in Hong Kong with orange and yellow sunset sky behind it, the Sun appears to be sitting on the water and the bottom of it is distorted in a mirage

Summer solstice

When - and what - is the summer solstice? Understand the science behind the solstice with Royal Observatory Greenwich

When is the winter solstice? The shortest day

When is the winter solstice this year? What does it mean? Is it the shortest or longest day?