The spring equinox occurs this Monday, March 20 at 10:24 p.m. exactly. This astronomical event thus marks the beginning of spring. But what exactly happens during this phenomenon?
In a few days, the winter season will be over and will give way to spring. This change of season in the northern hemisphere will take place thanks to the spring equinox which takes place this Monday, March 20 in the evening. Each year, the ball of the seasons, as we understand it, occurs according to an astronomical phenomenon, such as the equinox. Most people usually realize this because During the vernal equinox, day and night have the same length. Here’s what you need to know about the vernal equinox and the particularities of this spring season.
When is the spring equinox?
This year, the spring equinox falls on Monday March 20, 2023 at 10:24 p.m. precisely French time, According to the data from the Institute of Celestial Mechanics and Ephemeris Calculation (IMCCE) of Paris.
What is the Spring Equinox?
The term “equinox” comes from the Latin aequinoctium which translates to “equal night”. Concretely, the equinox corresponds to the time of year when day and night are of the same duration, ie 12 hours. From an astronomical point of view, the equinox is due to the perfect alignment of the celestial equator of the Earth with the sun. We also speak of the equinox at the beginning of autumn since the equinox occurs twice a year.
What is the meaning of the vernal equinox?
In the dictionary the Laroussethere spring equinox meaning is the following : “time of the year (March 20 or 21, September 22 or 23) when the Sun, in its own apparent motion on the ecliptic, crosses the celestial equator and which corresponds to the equal length of day and night “.
What are the spring dates?
The spring season starts on Monday March 20, 2023 and ends on Wednesday June 21, 2023, marking the transition to the next season, summer. If the end of spring always falls on June 21, the first day of spring can vary between March 19, 20 and 21. Most of the time, these are during the months of March (partly), April, May and June (partially), three months in total, that we are in the spring.
What is the difference between the vernal equinox and a solstice?
- The equinox and the solstice are different astronomical events. They both occur with respect to the tilt of the Earth’s axis around the Sun. The equinox is made possible when the sun is on the axis of the planet’s equator. There are two equinoxes a year.
- For the solstice, This is another thing. It occurs when the Earth is moving on itself and is also slightly tilted in its axis with respect to the Sun. Because of this, the sun’s rays strike the Earth and its hemispheres at a different angle and depending on the time of year. The length of day and night also changes.
What are the characteristics of the spring season?
In spring, unlike winter, the days are longer and the nights shorter. Temperatures rise and you can enjoy beautiful sunny days. But the main characteristic of spring is nature taking back its rights. Besides, the prefix “prin” of spring comes from old French and means “beginning, beginning”… so “time”. The flowers are budding and the trees are getting their leaves back. The most emblematic tree of the season? The cherry tree, of course.
What are the signs of spring?
Without referring to the calendar, by simply observing nature, we can notice the first signs of spring:
- The appearance of snowdrops. If you see snowdrops, those pretty little white flowers, you know that spring will soon be on its way. Indeed, they are among the first flowers to appear between the end of February and the beginning of March.
- Blooming crocuses. Behind this funny name hide superb flowers sometimes yellow, lilac blue or white. Crocuses also come in different forms depending on their variety. As for their flowering, it begins between the end of February and the beginning of March.
- The arrival of the kittens. At the beginning of March, the first catkin plants (also called “discolored willows”) also begin to bud. Catkins are leafy shrubs with green, oval leaves. They were so named because of their flowers forming soft kittens, reborn each spring.
What activities and crafts for children in the spring?
For kids, the spring season is rich in activities and crafts to make at home or outside when the weather is nice. The youngest can make flowers, trees, bees and butterflies but also do origami or paint to make pretty cards or objects.
What to eat in spring?
In terms of food, there are many seasonal fruits and vegetables, specific to spring. It’s the return of kiwis, rhubarb, peaches, strawberries, lemons and in vegetables, carrots, asparagus, radishes, beets etc. Fresh food, full of vitamins and energy. Here are our spring recipes to cook without moderation for the whole family.
Our health tips for staying in shape in the spring
The arrival of spring is also an opportunity to boost your immune system taking care of his health. Allergy to pollens, hay fever and fatigue are often also part of the game when spring is here. Find all our health tips to start the spring season in great shape!
What are the dates for spring break?
THE Spring Break differ according to the zones and the academies of the pupils. here are the school holiday dates depending on your geographical area and your academy:
- Area A (Besançon, Bordeaux, Clermont-Ferrand, Dijon, Grenoble, Limoges, Lyon, Poitiers): from Saturday April 8 to Monday April 24, 2023.
- B-area (Aix-Marseille, Amiens, Caen, Lille, Nancy-Metz, Nantes, Nice, Orléans-Tours, Reims, Rennes, Rouen, Strasbourg): from Saturday April 15 to Tuesday May 2, 2023.
- C-zone (Paris, Créteil, Versailles, Montpellier, Toulouse): from Saturday April 22 to Tuesday May 9, 2023.
THE Corsica schoolchildren have the same holidays as zone B, from Saturday April 15 to Tuesday May 2, 2023. Also to note that school resumes on the day indicated, Monday for zone A and Tuesday for zone B, C and Corsica.