It’s the first day of spring: here’s what it really means

NEW YORK — Spring has come!

Monday marked the vernal equinox, at least for people in the Northern Hemisphere.

But what does this really mean?

WHAT IS SPRING EQUILIBRIUM?

When the Earth moves around the Sun, it does so at an angle.

For most of the year, the earth’s axis is tilted either toward or away from the sun. This means that solar heat and light fall unevenly on the northern and southern halves of the planet.

During an equinox, the Earth’s axis and orbit align so that both hemispheres receive the same amount of sunlight.

The word “equinox” comes from two Latin words meaning “equal” and “night”. This is because on the equinox day and night are almost the same amount of time, although you can get a few extra minutes depending on where you are on the planet.

The vernal or vernal equinox can occur on March 19, 20, or 21, depending on the year. This year it landed on Monday at 5:24 pm ET.

WHY THERE ARE TWO TYPES OF SPRINGS?

There are two different ways to divide a year: meteorological and astronomical seasons.

Meteorological seasons are determined by the weather. They break the year into three-month seasons based on yearly temperature cycles.

According to this calendar, spring has already begun on March 1 and will last until May 31.

But the astronomical seasons depend on how the Earth moves around the Sun.

The equinoxes, when the sun falls equally on both hemispheres, mark the beginning of spring and autumn. The solstices, when the Earth experiences its strongest tilt towards or away from the Sun, begin summer and winter.

WHAT TO EXPECT NOW WHEN SPRING IS HERE?

For those north of the equator, daylight hours will last longer – with earlier sunrises and later sunsets – until the summer solstice in June. The new season signals warmer weather, plant budding and animal migration.

The southern hemisphere will see the opposite: the days will get shorter as this half of the planet transitions from summer to autumn.

Rainy weather is expected this spring, which will continue to moderate dry conditions in the western parts of the country, according to the US government’s national seasonal forecast. Melting snow cover could also lead to flooding in the Midwest.

Temperatures could be warmer than usual in much of the US South and East this spring, while parts of the Great Basin and Northern Plains are likely to be colder than average.

___

The Associated Press Department of Health and Science receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute Science and Education Media Group. AP is solely responsible for all content.

Content Source

News Press Ohio – Latest News:
Columbus Local News || Cleveland Local News || Ohio State News || National News || Money and Economy News || Entertainment News || Tech News || Environment News

Related Articles

Back to top button