What is spring equinox?

 The spring equinox, also called the vernal equinox, is one of two points in the year when day and night are nearly equal in length all over the world. It marks the beginning of spring in the northern hemisphere (around March 20-21) and the beginning of autumn in the southern hemisphere.

Key Characteristics of the Spring Equinox:

1. Sun's Position:

   • The Sun is directly above the Earth's equator, meaning its rays hit the equator perpendicularly.
   • This occurs because the Earth's axial tilt is neither toward nor away from the Sun.

2. Equal Day and Night:

   • The term "equinox" comes from the Latin words aequus (equal) and nox (night), referring to the roughly equal duration of daylight and darkness.

3. Astronomical Significance:

   • It marks the transition from shorter days to longer days in the northern hemisphere, as the Sun's path moves higher in the sky.
   • In many cultures, it signifies renewal, planting season, and the start of the agricultural calendar.

4. Celestial Events:

   • At the spring equinox, the Sun crosses the celestial equator moving northward. This is known as the ascending node of the Sun's path.

The spring equinox is celebrated in various traditions, such as Nowruz (Persian New Year) and Ostara in some pagan traditions. It's also a day of cultural and religious significance in many parts of the world.