Today is officially the first day of spring, though it may not seem or feel like it in most parts of North America!
Also known as the Vernal Equinox, today is one of two times in the year when the tilt of the Earth’s axis is neither away nor towards the Sun. On the day of the Equinox, both day and night are approximately equal length.
This also means that soon we’ll be enjoying blooming flowers and trees and those wonderful April showers, too, while some of us suffer those pesky Spring allergies!
DID YOU KNOW?
- The Vernal Equinox in Northern Hemisphere means that in the Southern Hemisphere they are celebrating the Autumnal Equinox. When we, in the Northern Hemisphere, celebrate our Autumnal Equinox, the Southern Hemisphere celebrates its Vernal Equinox!
- If you stood on the equator during the Vernal Equinox, you will see the Sun pass directly overhead!
- During spring, the Earth’s axis is tilted towards the Sun which is why we have longer days and warmer weather.
- There is a myth that says that during the Spring Equinox, you can balance a raw egg on its end because of the position of the Earth. This myth has been debunked many times, but continues to pop up now and again.