Spring Equinox

The spring (or vernal) equinox occurs Sunday, March 20, 2022.

The spring equinox marks the beginning of spring in the Northern Hemisphere and the beginning of autumn in the Southern Hemisphere. It marks the point when the sun crosses the celestial equator going from south to north.

Signs of Spring

Have you noticed day length slowly increasing or any seasonal signs of spring? Many Journey North citizen scientists are picking up on small, subtle changes that accompany seasonal transitions. And the return of certain plant and animal species are welcome sights.

Tom in Pensacola, FL: "Found this green tree frog on my front porch." (03/07/2022)

Jane in Whitewater, WI: "Skunk Cabbage. 3-16-22, Lone Tree Bluff, Walworth Co, WI." (03/16/2022)

How to Participate

Report daylight length on March 20, 2022. Track changes in daylight length over the course of the year on the daylight map. Explore how daylight length changes in your part of the world as the Earth revolves around the Sun.

Share and compare seasonal observations with people around the globe. Are you noticing any seasonal signs that spring is near?

How to Report your Daylight Length (Photoperiod)

Step 1: Look up your sunrise/sunset on the 20th of every month.

Step 2: Calculate the length of time between sunrise and sunset. 

Step 3: Report your daylight length on the 20th of every month and on each equinox and solstice.

Step 4: Explore the Daylight map and compare your part of the world with other locations as the Earth revolves around the Sun.