![]() ![]() The word solstice comes from the Latin “solstitium,” meaning “stopped sun.” Spring Equinox Traditionsįor centuries, people have celebrated the vernal equinox. The winter solstice, on December 21 or December 22 in the Northern Hemisphere, happens when the sun is farthest south of the equator it’s the shortest day of the year. The summer solstice, on June 20 or June 21 in the Northern Hemisphere, occurs when the sun is farthest north of the equator it’s the longest day of the year in terms of daylight. In addition to two annual equinoxes, there are two solstices every year. The Difference between an Equinox and a Solstice Since the Earth actually takes about 365.24 days to orbit the sun, equinoxes happen around six hours later from year to year, before moving back a day on leap years. Six months after the March equinox, another equinox occurs around September 22 or 23 and marks the beginning of fall in the Northern Hemisphere and spring in the Southern Hemisphere. Additionally, equinoxes are the only two times a year that the sun rises due east and sets due west. Someone standing on the equator on an equinox can observe the sun passing directly overhead. As the Earth orbits the sun over the course of a year, different places get sunlight for different amounts of time.Īn equinox occurs at the moment when the Earth’s axis doesn’t tilt toward or away from the sun. The Earth tilts at an angle of 23.5 degrees on its axis relative to its plane of orbit around the sun. It just happens that as the flowers begin to bloom and pollen is rife in the air, tissues also come out and people get sick and tired of saying "bless you".The vernal equinox occurs on March 20 or March 21 each year and signals the start of spring in the Northern Hemisphere (and fall in the Southern Hemisphere). 3.) Queue the hay feverĪs exciting as the advent of Spring is, for some people, this unfortunately also means the beginning of a whole lot of sneezing and crying (not intentionally). This also means the moon will be a mere 223,309 miles away from our planet at one point, so get a real good look to see if you can spot anything on its surface. This means that the moon orbits the Earth in an ellipse – an oval that brings it closer to and farther from Earth as it goes around. This is the years third and final supermoon of the year.īut it isn't any ordinary supermoon, it's actually the "Full Worm Supermoon", which will mark the first time in 19 years since a full moon AND a Spring Equinox have coincided. This year, the Spring Equinox is particularly special because it will coincide with another pretty cool cosmic event– the supermoon. This is also a friendly reminder that in 11 days, daylight savings will change again. Those living close to the equator especially, are in for a treat, as they will see the sun pass directly over their heads today, which only happens twice a year. It also means health benefits, a boost in happiness levels and possibly a tan. More sun obviously means more positivity, something which – in the aftermath of a tragic terror attack and the Brexit deadline looming – everyone is in desperate need of. The spring equinox brings with it longer days and shorter nights and as the Earth wakes up from its winter sleep, people will be pleased to see the sun. According to the Met Office, this equinox marks the beginning of astronomical spring, meaning from today onwards the days will be longer than the nights.Īnd this year it just happens to be coinciding with a supermoon, making for an extra special cosmic event.īut enough of all the scientific talk, here is what this all really means: 1.) Hello sunshine!įor those craving that Vitamin D, you don't have to wait much longer. It only happens twice a year, once during the Autumn Equinox and once during the Spring Equinox. An equinox happens between summer and winter solstices and marks the point when the sun positions itself exactly above the equator before crossing it. While the meteorological spring fell on March 1st, the astronomical spring falls today. Let's begin with what the Spring Equinox actually is. Yes, that's right, the Spring Equinox, otherwise known as the Vernal Equinox (you knew that, right?), will occur tonight, at around 9:56pm UK time and it will be extra special this year. It may not feel like it, but as today's Google Doodle will tell you, the Spring Equinox is here, meaning its officially the first day of spring. ![]()
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