Today is the Vernal Equinox, the first day of spring in the northern hemisphere. The new season officially began at 5:14 UTC, which is 1:14 A.M. Eastern Standard Time.

Astronomical seasons are the result of the tilt of the Earth’s axis, a 23.5-degree angle. Today, as spring begins, the Earth’s axis is tilted neither toward nor away from the sun. As a result, we receive approximately equal hours of day and night.

The vernal equinox usually marks the end of winter’s chill and the gradual return of warmth.  Following our fourth warmest winter on record, however, spring conditions are already in full bloom across many parts of United States.

Image Credit: scijink.nasa.gov