Spring Equinox Arrives Friday—Catch DC Cherry Blossoms In Real Time

CALIFORNIA, Md. — The arrival of spring is marked each year by the spring, or vernal, equinox, an astronomical event that signals a seasonal shift across the globe.

This year, spring officially arrives Friday at 10:46 a.m., marking the moment the equinox occurs.

The equinox takes place when Earth’s axis is not tilted toward or away from the sun, creating a near balance of daylight and darkness worldwide. According to NASA, “An equinox occurs twice every year, in March and September,” marking the moment when the sun crosses the plane of Earth’s equator.

In the Northern Hemisphere, this event represents the official start of spring, while the Southern Hemisphere enters autumn. The phenomenon is rooted in Earth’s 23.5-degree axial tilt and its orbit around the sun, which together drive the changing seasons.

spring equinox marks the exact moment when the center of the sun crosses the plane of our planet’s equator. — The equinox marks the exact moment when the center of the sun crosses the plane of our planet’s equator.
Photo Source: Canva

Scientists note that while the equinox is often associated with equal day and night, the balance is not exact. Atmospheric refraction and the sun’s size slightly extend daylight hours. As the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration explains, “This positioning results in nearly equal hours of daylight and darkness across the globe.”

The equinox also brings unique solar positioning. On this day, the sun rises due east and sets due west for most locations on Earth, an occurrence that happens only twice a year.

Beyond its scientific significance, the spring equinox has long held cultural and historical importance. Ancient civilizations tracked the event to guide agricultural cycles, and many modern traditions and holidays continue to align with the seasonal milestone.

During the spring and autumn equinoxes, hundreds of visitors, including Druids and Pagans, gather at Stonehenge to watch the sunrise, celebrating the balance of day and night.

As spring begins, you can also enjoy a live look at the iconic cherry blossoms blooming in Washington, D.C., through a real-time video stream, offering a glimpse of one of the season’s most celebrated sights.

As daylight hours continue to increase in the weeks following the equinox, communities across Southern Maryland can expect a gradual transition to warmer temperatures and longer days, hallmarks of the spring season.