vernal equinox

[ vur-nl ee-kwuh-noks, ek-wuh-noks ]

noun

1. equinox1
2. Also called ver·nal point. the position of the sun at the time of the vernal equinox.

vernal equinox

noun

1. the time at which the sun crosses the plane of the equator towards the relevant hemisphere, making day and night of equal length. It occurs about March 21 in the N hemisphere (Sept 23 in the S hemisphere)
2. 1. astronomy the point, lying in the constellation Pisces, at which the sun's ecliptic intersects the celestial equator
   2. the time at which this occurs as the sun travels south to north (March 21)

vernal equinox

/ vûr′nəl /

1. See under equinox

Word History and Origins

Origin of vernal equinox¹

First recorded in 1525–35

Example Sentences

The odds also tend to increase around equinoxes — the vernal equinox occurred last week — due to a more favorable tilt in the Earth’s axis, Murtagh said.

From Los Angeles Times

In the Northern Hemisphere, the vernal equinox will officially take place this Tuesday, March 19, at 11:06 p.m.

From New York Times

Pretty much aligned with the vernal equinox, give or take a few days, St. Patrick’s Day lands just right on the calendar for a celebration.

From Salon

Then, in March, nature will once again bring us the vernal equinox, the time of year that ushers in spring in the North.

From National Geographic

For some, spring cleaning takes place around the time of the vernal equinox, which this year fell on March 20.

From New York Times

More About Vernal Equinox

What and when is the vernal equinox?

The vernal equinox (also called the spring equinox) is one of the two equinoxes—the times of the year when the amount of daylight and nighttime hours are just about of equal length. The two equinoxes occur around March 20–21 and September 22–23.

The equinoxes occur on these days, but an equinox is not the whole day—it is the moment when the sun is directly above Earth’s equator. The term equinox can also refer to the position of the sun at this moment, and the term vernal equinox can refer to the position of the sun at the moment considered the vernal equinox. This can also be called the vernal point.

The vernal equinox is traditionally considered to mark the start of spring, while the autumnal equinox is considered to mark the start of fall. In the Northern Hemisphere, the vernal equinox occurs in March and the autumnal equinox occurs in September. In the Southern Hemisphere, it’s the reverse.

In contrast, a solstice is one of the two times of the year when the positioning and tilt of Earth relative to the sun results in the most amount of daylight time or the least amount of daylight time in a single day.

There are two solstices during the year: one that occurs around June 20–22 (usually June 20 or 21) and one that occurs around December 20–23 (usually December 21 or 22). In the Northern Hemisphere, the summer solstice occurs in June and the winter solstice occurs in December. In the Southern Hemisphere, it’s the reverse.

Example: Many ancient cultures marked the vernal equinox with festivals, some of which continue to be observed today.

Where does vernal equinox come from?

The first records of the term vernal equinox come from around 1530. The word vernal means “of or relating to spring.” The word equinox comes from the Latin aequinoctium, meaning “the time of equal days and nights,” from equi-, meaning “equal,” and nocti-, meaning “night.”

An equinox is a moment, not an entire day. Since Earth is in motion, the exact positioning considered an equinox only happens for a moment. However, the word is most commonly used to refer to the day on which this happens. On most calendars, these days are used to mark the beginning of spring and fall similar to how the days of the two solstices are used to mark the beginning of summer and winter.

While the day of an equinox has equal amounts of daylight and darkness, the days on which the solstices occur are known for being the longest and shortest days of the year in terms of daylight. During the summer solstice, Earth is tilted toward the sun and receives sunlight for the longest time, resulting in the longest day of the year. During the winter solstice, Earth is tilted away from the sun and receives sunlight for the shortest time, resulting in the shortest day of the year. After the winter solstice, the days start getting longer (receiving more daylight time), reaching an equal amount on the day of the vernal equinox. After the summer solstice, the days start getting shorter (receiving less daylight time), reaching an equal amount again on the autumnal equinox.

Did you know ... ?

What are some synonyms for vernal equinox?

• spring equinox

What are some words that share a root or word element with vernal equinox? 

• vernal
• equinox
• autumnal equinox
• equinoctial
• equinoctial point

What are some words that often get used in discussing vernal equinox?

• spring
• sun
• Earth
• equator
• season
• first
• day
• night

How is vernal equinox used in real life?

The vernal equinox is popularly associated with the first day of spring. It is commonly called the spring equinox.

Take a moment, look outside your window. 🌷

Today is the #FirstDayOfSpring in the Northern Hemisphere, also known as the vernal equinox. What causes the seasons? Find out here: https://t.co/q9L7BOfJFJ pic.twitter.com/TrQbWTYctq

— NASA (@NASA) March 19, 2020

Reminder today is the Autumnal equinox (for us southerners) and vernal equinox for those north of the wall.

Autumn/Spring starts today (by some definitions)

We reach the equinox at 2:49PM AEDT (Sydney time) this afternoon and then we head for winter solstice! https://t.co/w4UzVfhPHf

— Rami Mandow 🏳️‍🌈 (@CosmicRami) March 19, 2020

Hard to believe that in a little over four weeks we reach the Vernal Equinox. Already it is light beyond five p.m. Spring is around the corner.

— Dr_Tom Pearce (@tompearce49) February 15, 2021

 

 

Try using vernal equinox!

True or False?

The vernal equinox occurs on the longest day of the year.