The March equinox marks a moment of astronomical significance, heralding the arrival of spring or autumn depending on your hemisphere.
When is the March equinox in 2024?
The March equinox in 2024 is set to occur on 20 March, precisely at 05:06 South African Standard Time (SAST).
This event is a pivotal moment in the astronomical calendar, as it signals the start of spring in the Northern Hemisphere and autumn in the Southern Hemisphere.
The equinox is characterised by the moment the sun crosses the celestial equator, moving northward, resulting in nearly equal day and night durations across the globe.
What happens during the March equinox?
During the March equinox, the Earth’s tilt on its axis is positioned in such a way that both hemispheres receive an equal amount of sunlight.
This equilibrium between night and day occurs twice a year, once in March and again in September for the equinoxes.
The term “equinox” originates from Latin, meaning “equal night,” reflecting this balance.
\The March equinox not only brings a change in seasons but also affects wildlife behaviour and plant growth, signalling a transition in nature’s cycles.
READ MORE: March 2024 skywatching: Moon phases timeline for this month
What is the significance of this event?
The significance of the March equinox extends beyond its astronomical importance.
Culturally and historically, it has been a marker for timekeeping, agriculture, and celebrations.
Many cultures celebrate the coming of spring with festivals and rituals that date back centuries.
For example, the Nowruz celebrated as the Persian New Year, coincides with the March equinox.
Additionally, this event has practical implications for climate and agriculture, influencing planting and harvesting schedules worldwide.
Who is credited for discovering the March equinox?
The discovery and understanding of the March equinox can be traced back to ancient civilizations.
The ancient Greeks, particularly the astronomer and mathematician Hipparchus, contributed significantly to our understanding of equinoxes.
Hipparchus is often credited with discovering the precession of the equinoxes around the 2nd century BCE.
However, it’s essential to recognise that many ancient cultures observed and celebrated the equinoxes long before this, integrating their movements into calendars and rituals without the precise astronomical understanding we have today.