Is today the first day of spring? The vernal equinox is upon us

Space
20 Mar 2026 • 8:36 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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  • The vernal equinox arrives Friday, marking the start of the spring season for the Northern Hemisphere and the fall in the Southern Hemisphere.
  • During an equinox, the Earth's tilt is neutral, meaning both hemispheres receive an equal amount of sunlight, resulting in nearly equal day and night lengths globally.
  • The word “equinox” originates from Latin terms meaning “equal night,” reflecting the balanced duration of daylight and darkness.
  • Solstices represent the times when the Earth's tilt is most pronounced towards or away from the sun, leading to the year's longest or shortest days and nights.
  • Astronomical seasons are defined by the Earth's orbital position, whereas meteorological seasons are based on three-month periods aligned with annual temperature patterns.

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