YAY! Another change of seasons is here!
The 2025 March Equinox happens on Thursday, March 20, 2025,
at 9:01 UTC • 5:01 a.m. EDT • 2:01 a.m. PDT
Spring in the North, Fall in the South
🌞 The equinox is finally here, and it’s time to celebrate the balance between day and night! This year, the March equinox falls on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at 9:01 UTC, and it brings a seasonal shift that affects the entire globe. 🌍
So, whether you’re welcoming the warmth of spring or preparing for the cool crispness of autumn, the equinox has something for everyone!
What’s Happening?
For those in the Northern Hemisphere, it’s time to say hello to spring! 🌷🌼 The days are getting longer, the flowers are starting to bloom, and it’s the perfect moment to shake off the winter blues. But wait—did you know that across the equator, our friends in the Southern Hemisphere are entering autumn? 🍁🍂
It’s the same day, but two different seasons, making the equinox a global event to enjoy no matter where you are!
Why Does This Happen?
The March equinox marks the moment when the Sun crosses the celestial equator, moving from south to north. This happens because of the tilt of the Earth’s axis. It’s why we experience equal daylight and night hours—hence the name “equinox,” which means “equal night” in Latin.
Equinox Times Around the World
Mark your calendars, folks, because this is one of the most anticipated celestial events of the year! 🗓️🌍 For those in different time zones, the March equinox happens at:
- 9:01 a.m. UTC
- 5:01 a.m. EDT (Eastern Daylight Time)
- 2:01 a.m. PDT (Pacific Daylight Time)
- Convert your timezone!
What’s the Connection Between Spring and Fall?
It’s a cosmic dance! While the Northern Hemisphere is moving into spring, the Southern Hemisphere is saying goodbye to summer and welcoming fall. The beauty of the equinox is that it’s a reminder of how connected we are, no matter which hemisphere we call home. 🌎
Solar Surprises!
As we move through the equinox, keep an eye on the solar activity—this is the time of year when the Sun often shows off! From solar flares to the chance of auroras, the Sun might treat us to a spectacular light show. 🌌 If you’re in the Northern Hemisphere, be sure to watch for the aurora borealis as geomagnetic activity tends to pick up during this time.
A Global Event to Celebrate
Whether you’re planting a garden in the Northern Hemisphere or getting cozy in the Southern Hemisphere, the March 2025 equinox brings a special kind of balance to our planet. It’s a reminder of how we all experience the same celestial event, just in different ways. 🌍💫
🌟 Don’t Forget! 🌟 Take a moment to look up at the sky and appreciate the seasonal shift. The equinox reminds us that no matter where we are, we’re all part of this beautiful cosmic rhythm.
Happy equinox, everyone! 🌞🌙
On the March equinox, the terminator is a north-south line once again. credit: NASA/SVS & NASA’s Earth Observatory
What does an equinox or solstice look like from space?
Earth’s tilted axis causes the seasons. Throughout the year, different parts of Earth receive the Sun’s most direct rays. So, when the North Pole tilts toward the Sun, it’s summer in the Northern Hemisphere. And when the South Pole tilts toward the Sun, it’s winter in the Northern Hemisphere.
But what is the equinox?
Before we go into the details, let’s hear from an astrophysicist. If you want to jump right in, go to about 1:40.
The astronomical event known as an equinox occurs twice each year, the March equinox (usually March 20) and the September equinox (usually September 22), when the plane of Earth’s equator passes through the center of the sun. On the June solstice, the sun reaches its highest point in the sky for an observer at the North Pole. On the December solstice, the sun reaches its highest point in the sky for an observer at the South Pole. Solstices also mark the change from fall to winter or spring to summer.
The word Equilux is used to mean a day on which the periods of daylight and night are equal.
During an equinox, the Earth’s North and South poles are not tilted toward or away from the Sun, and the duration of daylight is theoretically the same at all points on Earth’s surface.
Not Entirely Equal Day & Night
On an equinox, the Sun shines directly on the equator, and the length of day and night is nearly equal—but not quite. They are not exactly equal because of the angular size of the sun and atmospheric refraction. The word equilux is used to mean a day in which the durations of light and darkness are equal to distinguish the day from an equinox.
The March equinox marks the moment the Sun crosses the celestial equator—the imaginary line in the sky above the Earth’s equator—from south to north and vice versa in September. The equinoxes are the only times when the solar terminator (the dividing line between night and day) is perpendicular to the equator. Then, the northern and southern hemispheres are equally illuminated.
Equinoxes are the only times when the subsolar point is on the equator, i.e., when the Sun is exactly overhead at a point on the equatorial line. The subsolar point crosses the equator, moving northward at the March equinox and southward at the September equinox.
This map shows the position of the Sun and the Moon during the March 20, 2025, equinox (at 9:01 UTC.) It shows which parts of the Earth are in daylight and which are in night. credit: www.timeanddate.com
This map shows the position of the Sun and the Moon during the March 20, 2025, equinox (at 9:01 UTC.) It shows which parts of the Earth are in daylight and which are in night. credit: www.timeanddate.com
= The Sun’s position directly overhead (zenith) in relation to an observer.
= The Moon’s position at its zenith in relation to an observer (Moon phase is not shown).
Civil Twilight (lightest shade)
Nautical Twilight
Astronomical Twilight
Night, no twilight (darkest shade)
The equinoxes and solstices are directly related to the seasons of the year. In the northern hemisphere, the vernal equinox (March) conventionally marks the beginning of spring, while the autumnal equinox (September) marks the beginning of autumn. In the southern hemisphere, the vernal equinox occurs in September and the autumnal equinox in March.
Equinox and Solstice credit: www.timeanddate.com
When were past and when are future equinoxes (and solstices)?
| Year | March equinox | June solstice | September equinox | December solstice | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Mar 20 | 5:58 pm EDT | Jun 21 | 11:54 am EDT | Sep 23 | 3:50 am EDT | Dec 21 | 11:19 pm EST |
| 2020 | Mar 19 | 11:49 pm EDT | Jun 20 | 5:43 pm EDT | Sep 22 | 9:30 am EDT | Dec 21 | 5:02 am EST |
| 2021 | Mar 20 | 5:37 am EDT | Jun 20 | 11:32 pm EDT | Sep 22 | 3:21 pm EDT | Dec 21 | 10:59 am EST |
| 2022 | Mar 20 | 11:33 am EDT | Jun 21 | 5:13 am EDT | Sep 22 | 9:03 pm EDT | Dec 21 | 4:48 pm EST |
| 2023 | Mar 20 | 5:24 pm EDT | Jun 21 | 10:57 am EDT | Sep 23 | 2:50 am EDT | Dec 21 | 10:27 pm EST |
| 2024 | Mar 19 | 11:06 pm EDT | Jun 20 | 4:50 pm EDT | Sep 22 | 8:43 am EDT | Dec 21 | 4:20 am EST |
| 2025 | Mar 20 | 5:01 am EDT | Jun 20 | 10:42 pm EDT | Sep 22 | 2:19 pm EDT | Dec 21 | 10:03 am EST |
| 2026 | Mar 20 | 10:46 am EDT | Jun 21 | 4:24 am EDT | Sep 22 | 8:05 pm EDT | Dec 21 | 3:50 pm EST |
| 2027 | Mar 20 | 4:24 pm EDT | Jun 21 | 10:10 am EDT | Sep 23 | 2:01 am EDT | Dec 21 | 9:42 pm EST |
| 2028 | Mar 19 | 10:17 pm EDT | Jun 20 | 4:01 pm EDT | Sep 22 | 7:45 am EDT | Dec 21 | 3:19 am EST |
| 2029 | Mar 20 | 4:02 am EDT | Jun 20 | 9:48 pm EDT | Sep 22 | 1:38 pm EDT | Dec 21 | 9:14 am EST |
| * Dates are based on the Gregorian calendar. Times are adjusted for DST, if applicable. Source: www.timeanddate.com | ||||||||
We can even see how the sun illuminates Earth during an equinox thanks to a NOAA satellite.
GOES East captured a view of the March 20, 2019 equinox. credit: NOAA NESDIS
Change of Seasons
Credit: NOAA
Learn more about the change of seasons
Equinox Celebrations & Traditions
No matter where you are, the equinox is a reminder of the world’s shared connection to the rhythms of the Earth and the universe. 🌍✨ Throughout history, people have celebrated the equinox as a time of balance, renewal, and transformation. From ancient civilizations to modern-day festivities, this celestial event has sparked a variety of rituals and celebrations:
Ancient Egypt
The Egyptians celebrated the equinox with festivals honoring Osiris, the god of the afterlife and rebirth. The equinox marked the end of the Nile flood, which was a key event for their agricultural calendar.
Mexico
At the famous Chichen Itza pyramid, thousands gather to witness the “serpent of light” that appears during the equinox. As the Sun sets, it creates a shadow along the pyramid steps that resembles a serpent, representing the descent of the god Quetzalcoatl.
Persia
The Nowruz festival, celebrated in Iran and other parts of Central Asia, marks the start of the new year and the arrival of spring. This tradition is over 3,000 years old and involves cleaning the house, wearing new clothes, and celebrating with family and friends.
Japan
In Japan, the Shunbun no Hi (Vernal Equinox Day) is a national holiday dedicated to honoring ancestors and enjoying nature. People visit graves, clean them, and enjoy time outdoors to celebrate the arrival of spring.
India
In many parts of India, the Holi festival, also known as the Festival of Colors, is celebrated near the time of the equinox. It marks the arrival of spring with vibrant colors, music, and dancing.
Europe
In the UK, people gather at Stonehenge to watch the sunrise on the equinox, paying homage to the ancient monument’s alignment with the Sun. The event attracts thousands of visitors each year, celebrating both the natural beauty and ancient traditions of the site.
It’s also time for Aurora Season!!
Aurora’s photo was taken by John Dean on March 13, 2022, in Nome, Alaska. Shared on spaceweather.com.
Solar Surprises!
As we move through the equinox, keep an eye on the solar activity—this is the time of year when the Sun often shows off! From solar flares to the chance of auroras, the Sun might treat us to a spectacular light show. 🌌 If you’re in the Northern Hemisphere, be sure to watch for the aurora borealis as geomagnetic activity tends to pick up during this time.
Aurora season is winding down in the higher southern latitudes, but there is still time to witness it in person. It varies slightly by location. The Southern Lights season is just getting started, running from March until October. This is because the aurora can be more easily seen due to longer nights.
Studies have shown that during both the fall and spring equinoxes, geomagnetic disturbances—and thus auroras—are twice as likely as during summer and winter. This figure by solar physicist David Hathaway of NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center uses 75 years of data to show the relationship between the number of geomagnetic disturbances and the time of the year.
This figure by solar physicist David Hathaway of NASA Marshall Space Flight Center uses 75 years of data to show the relationship between the number of geomagnetic disturbances and the time of the year.
For a long time, scientists did not know what made equinoxes special. Using data from space missions such as THEMIS, scientists now know that it is all about geometry. THEMIS showed us that there are special magnetic ropes connecting Earth’s upper atmosphere directly to the Sun. During the spring and fall equinoxes, the geometry of the Earth with respect to the Sun is such that its magnetic field is best oriented to connect with the Sun. Read more about it at EarthSky.
Solar activity is increasing in this current solar cycle, so hopefully, we’ll get to see more auroras this season!
Even if you can’t be there in person, be sure to keep an eye on the beautiful aurora photos and videos shared online. It’s still a bucket list item to see this in real life! 🌌✨
By LEGO
Learn more about the aurora season
A Global Event to Celebrate
Whether you’re planting a garden in the Northern Hemisphere or getting cozy in the Southern Hemisphere, the March 2025 equinox brings a special kind of balance to our planet. It’s a reminder of how we all experience the same celestial event, just in different ways. 🌎💫
🌟 Don’t Forget! 🌟 Take a moment to look up at the sky and appreciate the seasonal shift. The equinox reminds us that no matter where we are, we’re all part of this beautiful cosmic rhythm.
Happy equinox, everyone! 🌞🌙
Post CREDITs: NASA • spaceweather.com • Wikipedia • timeanddate.com • EarthSky.com • Startalk • Dr. James O’Donoghue • incent Ledvina • LEGO
