When is the Spring Equinox 2023? Sun will pass directly above the equator TODAY

It’s finally time to pack your winter coats, hats and scarves – spring has officially sprung!

Today is the vernal equinox, which marks the beginning of “astronomical” spring.

Today at exactly 15:33 GMT, the sun will pass directly above the equator, making day and night almost equal in all parts of the earth.

“The March equinox – also called the vernal equinox – is the astronomical beginning of the spring season in the Northern Hemisphere,” NASA explains.

“The seasons are reversed in the southern hemisphere, where it is autumn, also known as autumn.”

‘Astronomical seasons’ occur because of the tilt of the Earth’s axis and the position of our planet during its orbit around the sun

We all know that the earth has four seasons: winter, spring, summer and autumn.

But did you know that our planet actually has two species from each season?

‘Meteorological seasons’ follow the change of the calendar, from month to month, and are based on the annual temperature cycle.

For example, the “meteorological spring” begins on March 1 and ends on May 31 each year.

However, “astronomical seasons” occur because of the tilt of the Earth’s axis and the position of our planet during its orbit around the sun.

Today at 15:33 GMT, the sun passes directly above the equator, making day and night almost equal in all parts of the earth.

At the equator, there are about 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of night.

“Equinoxes and solstices are caused by the tilt of the Earth on its axis and the incessant motion it has as it orbits the sun,” NASA explains.

“Think of them as events that take place as our planet makes its journey around the sun.”

If you live north of the equator, the vernal equinox brings early sunrises and later sunsets.

“Equinoxes and solstices are caused by the tilt of the Earth on its axis and the incessant motion it has as it orbits the sun,” NASA explained.

In contrast, people who live south of the equator will experience later sunrises and earlier sunsets.

“The beginning of spring can be one of the most recognizable transitions between seasons as the days begin to lengthen and temperatures rise,” explains The Met Office.

‘Sometimes without knowing it, we often define the seasons phenologically.

‘By this we mean biological indicators, in particular the flowering or emergence of certain plants, or the activities of certain animals.

‘The very origin of the expression vernal equinox also refers to this with “spring” coming from the Latin vernus meaning flowering.’

“If you’re in the Northern Hemisphere, watch the sun set a little further north on the horizon each evening until the June solstice — when the sun changes direction and moves back south,” NASA added. .

“Go outside to enjoy the warmer weather and long daylight!”