Embracing the Arrival of Spring: Understanding and Celebrating the Vernal Equinox

Spring is in the Air: The Promise of Renewal

Spring is just around the corner, and the signs are everywhere. Here in New Mexico, roadrunners are darting across the landscape, trees are bursting into bloom, and the first tender shoots of lettuce are pushing their way through the soil in my garden. The vernal equinox, marking the official start of astronomical spring in the Northern Hemisphere, is set to arrive on March 20. This moment signals a shift in the seasons, as the days grow longer and the nights shorter, bringing with them the promise of renewal and growth.

While the equinoxes often take a backseat to the solstices in terms of attention, they are no less significant. The vernal equinox is a moment of balance, a fleeting instant when day and night are roughly equal in length. It’s a subtle yet profound transition, one that reminds us of the Earth’s tilt and its orbit around the sun.

What is the Vernal Equinox?

The vernal equinox is one of the two equinoxes that occur each year, the other being the autumnal equinox in fall. The word "equinox" comes from the Latin words for "equal" and "night," reflecting the balance of daylight and darkness on these days. The term "vernal" also has Latin roots, meaning "spring," and it’s during this time that the Northern Hemisphere begins its tilt toward the sun, marking the start of longer, warmer days.

The Earth spins on its axis, which is tilted at about 23.5 degrees. This tilt is responsible for the changing seasons, as different parts of the planet receive varying amounts of sunlight throughout the year. During the vernal equinox, the Northern Hemisphere begins to tilt toward the sun, while the Southern Hemisphere starts its journey away from it. This alignment means that for a brief moment, the sunlight is distributed more evenly across the Earth, resulting in nearly equal periods of daylight and nighttime.

When Does the Spring Equinox Happen?

This year, the vernal equinox occurs at 2:01 a.m. PT on March 20. While the exact moment is precise, the celebration of spring doesn’t have to be confined to that specific time. You can mark the occasion anytime on March 20, whether by planting seeds, taking a walk outside, or simply pausing to reflect on the changing seasons.

Equinox vs. Solstice: What’s the Difference?

While both the equinoxes and solstices are tied to the Earth’s tilt and orbit, they are distinct events. The solstices represent the extremes: the summer solstice is the longest day of the year, while the winter solstice is the shortest. In contrast, the equinoxes are moments of balance, when day and night are roughly equal. The summer solstice for the Northern Hemisphere falls on June 20 this year, and the winter solstice arrives on December 21.

Solstices often receive more attention than equinoxes, perhaps because they are easier to visualize. The extremes of the longest and shortest days are more dramatic and tangible, while the equinoxes are more subtle, marking a quiet shift in the seasons. However, both events are deeply connected to the Earth’s tilt and its journey around the sun, making them equally worthy of recognition.

Observing the Equinox from Space

Visualizing the Earth’s tilt and the effects of the equinox from the ground can be challenging, but NASA has made it easier with a video that shows the Earth as seen from space. The footage tracks the planet’s movement through the seasons, illustrating how the daylight and nighttime shift over time. It’s a reminder of the beauty and complexity of our orbit and how it shapes the world we experience.

Celebrating the Vernal Equinox: Myths, Meaning, and Personal Traditions

The vernal equinox is a subtle phenomenon without the drama of a total eclipse or the spectacle of a meteor shower. Yet, it offers a moment for reflection and celebration. One popular myth surrounding the equinox is that it’s the only time you can balance a raw egg on its end due to the Earth’s alignment. However, this is just that—a myth. As astronomer Emily Rice explains, you can balance an egg on any day of the year with enough patience and a steady hand.

The equinox is what you make of it. It’s a time to acknowledge the Earth’s orbit and the forces that shape our seasons. You might choose to plant seeds, clean your house, or spend time outdoors. You could also use the occasion to reflect on the meaning of renewal and how you might apply that to your own life. After all, as Rice notes, the equinox is more astronomically significant than the arbitrary start of the year on January 1.

In many ways, the vernal equinox is a reminder of our place in the universe. It’s a moment to pause, appreciate the beauty of the Earth’s tilt, and celebrate the sun’s return. So take a moment on March 20 to toast the sun, the stars, and the wonder of it all. Whether you’re planting seeds, taking a walk, or simply enjoying a quiet moment of reflection, the vernal equinox is an opportunity to connect with the natural world and the cycles that shape our lives.