First Day Of Spring And 5 Other Dates To Know

It may not seem like it but the first day of spring is almost here and at least in some parts of the country, the journey to warmer weather has been punishing. The Northeast has been clobbered with three nor'easters leading up to spring and another one is shaping up to hit the region on the very first day of spring.

Spring officially begins in the northern hemisphere on March 20 at 12:15 p.m., according to the National Weather Service. The first day of spring is also known as the vernal equinox, when the earth's axis is tilted neither toward nor away from the sun, resulting in a nearly equal amount of daylight and darkness.

The first day of spring may not be ripe with blooming flowers and temperate weather, but the weather can only improve as 2018 rolls on (we hope). Spring is a time for new beginnings and celebration, so here's five dates (other than the first day of spring) to keep in mind as the season changes:

March For Our Lives (March 24)

High school students across the country have already made their voices heard to demand change after the school shooting in Parkland, Florida that left 17 dead. Students took part in a powerful school walkout on March 14, demanding legislators to finally do something to curb gun violence. Now on March 24, the students will march. The national "March for our Lives" rally protesting gun violence and calling for an end to school shootings takes place in Washington, D.C., and many cities across the country. Many states have sister events — find them here.

Good Friday (March 30)

This date marks important religious holidays for Christians and Jews. For Christians, it's Good Friday and for Jews it's the beginning of Passover. Passover begins the evening of March 30 and is observed for seven days, ending at nightfall on April 7.

Easter/Passover (April 1)

Good Friday begins the four-day Easter observance for Christians.

April Fools' Day (April 1)

April 1 is also April Fools' Day. So watch out for pranksters trying to get a laugh at your expense and apply a healthy dose of skepticism if you hear something outlandish.

Mother's Day (May 13)

This one is a little further away but let's face it, is it ever too early to start thinking about how you are going to make this day special for mom? Whether it's breakfast in bed or a Sunday brunch, it's best to get the planning committee together as soon as possible.

And as a bonus, here's five things (or myths) to know about the beginning of spring or the vernal equinox:

1. Can you really stand an egg on its end at the exact moment spring arrives?

Yes, but no more so on the first day of spring than on any other day, according to “The Bad Astronomer” Philip Plait, who compares the egg-standing myth to “an extremely contagious virus.” Plait, an American astronomer, skeptic, writer and popular science blogger, says the reason eggs can be balanced on one end most likely has to do with tiny bumps on the shell on the end that “act like little legs holding the egg up.”

2. Does spring really make people more amorous?

Uhm, no, according to the Science of Relationships, which stays sexual drives and mating behaviors follow six-month cycles. So, you’re most likely to feel the urge to go forth and procreate, or at least practice for it, in the winter and spring.

3. During the equinox, can you stand in the direct sun and not cast a shadow?

The sun’s new angle during the equinox will change the length of your shadow, but conditions would have to be perfect for this to happen. For example, you’d have to be standing right at the equator when the clock strikes noon to avoid casting a shadow, according to Accuweather.

4. Does the sun rise due east and set due west at the equinox?
Yes, it does, no matter where you are on Earth. If you’re directionally confused, or downright dysfunctional, this is a good time of year to find due east and due west, according to Earthsky.org, which advises: “Just go outside around sunset or sunrise and notice the location of the sun on the horizon with respect to familiar landmarks.” Your clarity won’t last, though, as the direction of the sun will shift as the season progresses.

5. During the equinox, will we have equal hours of day and night?
No, according to National Geographic, which debunked the myth by consulting the U.S. Naval Observatory in Washington, D.C. The true days of equal daylight and nighttime always fall before the spring equinox and fall, or autumnal, equinox. And then it depends on where you are on the planet. So, when the sun passes over the equator on Monday, the day will be a little longer than the night, no matter where you are.

Beth Dalbey contributed to this report.

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