The vernal equinox, which marks the beginning of astronomical spring in the Northern Hemisphere, is a beautiful way to observe the changing of the seasons. The word ‘equinox’ comes from the Latin words for equal and night, signifying the approximate equalization of daylight and night during this time. There are two equinoxes each year, the vernal equinox in the spring and the autumnal equinox in the fall. The Earth’s tilt of 23.5 degrees on its axis is what creates different seasons in different parts of the planet, with the Northern Hemisphere transitioning from winter to summer during the vernal equinox. This year, the spring equinox will occur at 2:01 a.m. PT on March 20.
Unlike solstices, which mark the extremes for days and nights, equinoxes like the vernal equinox are more subtle changes in the shifting of the seasons. Solstices, such as the summer solstice and winter solstice, get more attention for their more dramatic differences in daylight. All of these events are related to the sun and the Earth’s tilt, making them significant moments in our calendar year. NASA has created visualizations from space to help people understand the Earth’s tilt and the changes that occur during equinoxes, as it can be challenging to visualize from the ground.
While there may be some myths associated with the vernal equinox, such as the belief that it’s the only day you can balance a raw egg on its end, these are not scientifically proven to be true. It’s a day that may not have showy celestial events, but its significance lies in its role in marking the transition between seasons. People can celebrate the vernal equinox in their own ways, whether by planting seeds, spending time outdoors, or simply acknowledging the tilt of the Earth and its place in the universe that brings about this astronomical phenomenon.
The subtle beauty of the vernal equinox is evident in how nature begins to awaken, with signs like roadrunners frolicking, trees budding, and gardeners sowing seeds in gardens. The vernal equinox is a day for reflecting on the interconnectedness of Earth and its celestial movements, and how they influence our experiences of time and seasonality. Whether one takes the equinox as a time for celebration or quiet observation, it serves as a reminder of the cyclical nature of our planet and our place within the cosmos. As we approach the vernal equinox, we can look forward to longer days, warmer weather, and the promise of new beginnings that spring brings with it.
