Spring Equinox marks the beginning of a new season when the Sun crosses directly over the equator. Although meteorologists have been saying it’s spring for a few weeks now, it’s worth noting that there are two types of springs: meteorological and astronomical. Meteorological Spring begins on March 1 and lasts until May 31, while Astronomical Spring is determined by the Sun’s position and is observed on the equinox. The article discusses three common beliefs surrounding the equinox, the first of which is the myth that day and night are equal on the equinox, when in reality, there is slightly more daylight than night on this day due to the refraction of light. The second belief, which is accurate, is that the sun rises directly in the east and sets directly in the west on the equinox. Finally, the article debunks the myth that eggs and brooms can only be balanced on the equinox. In reality, physics works the same way every day, so you can balance any object you want on any day.
Spring Equinox: Myths and Realities
The first day of spring, marked by the moment when the sun crossed directly over the equator, ushering in a new season, occurred on Monday evening at 5:24 pm. While meteorologists have been saying that spring has already begun a few weeks ago, it’s worth noting that there are two types of springs: meteorological and astronomical.
Meteorological spring starts on March 1 and lasts until May 31, beginning and ending on the same day every year. It allows for more consistent averages for temperature calculations. On the other hand, astronomical spring is determined by the sun’s position and is observed on the equinox.
There are various beliefs surrounding the equinox, so let’s explore the facts and fiction.
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Myth: Day and night are equal on the equinox. While it’s true that the Sun’s rays shine equally on both hemispheres of the Earth on the equinox, there is slightly more daylight than nighttime since the atmosphere refracts the light up ever so slightly.
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Fact: The sun rises due east and sets due west on the equinox. It is accurate to say that the sun rises precisely in the east and sets precisely in the west on the equinox, no matter where you are on Earth (except for the North and South Poles).
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Myth: You can only stand an egg on end or balance a broom on the equinox. It is not true that you can only balance an egg or broom on the equinox. Physics works the same way on any given day, allowing you to balance any object you want.
In summary, even though it might not have felt like it on Monday, the first day of spring has already come, bringing with it longer and warmer days.
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