Embracing the Arrival of Spring: The Vernal Equinox

The Promise of Spring in New Mexico

As the days grow longer and the air begins to warm, spring is knocking on the door. In New Mexico, the roadrunners are frolicking, trees are budding, and the soil is ready for lettuce seeds to be sown in raised garden beds. The arrival of spring is not just a feeling; it can be marked on the calendar with precision. This year, the vernal equinox—a moment of equal daylight and darkness—occurs on March 20, signaling the astronomical start of spring in the northern hemisphere.

Understanding the Vernal Equinox

While equinoxes may not capture as much attention as solstices, they are significant markers of the seasonal shift. The word "equinox" comes from the Latin words for "equal" and "night," reflecting the roughly equal lengths of daylight and darkness during these events. There are two equinoxes each year: the spring (vernal) equinox and the autumnal equinox. The term "vernal" also originates from Latin, meaning "spring."

The Earth’s 23.5-degree tilt on its axis is what creates the seasons. During the vernal equinox, the northern hemisphere begins to tilt toward the sun, marking the transition from winter to spring. Astrophysicist Emily Rice explains that this moment is when the Earth’s tilt aligns briefly with its orbit around the sun, resulting in nearly equal daylight and night across the globe.

Timing the Spring Equinox

The spring equinox occurs at a specific moment: 2:01 a.m. PT on March 20. While there’s no need to set an alarm, it’s a day worth celebrating. Unlike solstices, which mark the longest and shortest days of the year, equinoxes are more subtle, representing a balance point between light and darkness. The summer solstice, the longest day, arrives on June 20, while the winter solstice, the shortest day, occurs on December 21.

Solstices vs. Equinoxes: What’s the Difference?

While solstices are the extremes of the year—summer solstice being the longest day and winter solstice the shortest—the equinoxes are moments of balance. Solstices often receive more attention because their effects are more dramatic and easier to observe. However, both events are interconnected, as they are all tied to Earth’s tilt and its orbit around the sun. Think of them as seasonal siblings: solstices represent the peaks of summer and winter, while equinoxes mark the transition points between seasons.

Observing the Equinox from Space

Visualizing Earth’s tilt and the effects of the equinox from the ground can be challenging. NASA has created a video that shows the Earth as seen from space, tracking the planet through its seasons. The footage reveals how daylight and night shift over time, providing a stunning visual perspective on the equinox. From space, the tilt of Earth’s axis becomes clear, illustrating how the distribution of sunlight changes as the planet orbits the sun.

Celebrating the Vernal Equinox

The vernal equinox is a subtle yet meaningful occasion that invites reflection and celebration. While myths like balancing eggs on their ends persist, they are just that—myths. You can balance an egg on any day of the year with a little patience and practice, as demonstrated by one enthusiast on February 27.

This equinox is an opportunity to create your own traditions. Whether it’s planting seeds, spending time outdoors, or simply acknowledging the astronomical significance of the day, the vernal equinox is what you make of it. As Rice suggests, consider it a moment to appreciate the Earth’s orbit, its tilt, and our place in the universe. Raise a toast to the sun, the Earth, and the cosmic balance that brings us spring. After all, the equinox is not just a scientific event; it’s a time to connect with nature and the rhythms of our planet.