Definition

1. Noun:
   • The vernal equinox: The "march equinox" is the precise moment in the year when the Sun crosses the celestial equator from south to north. This event marks the beginning of spring in the Northern Hemisphere and autumn in the Southern Hemisphere. It is also known as the spring equinox.
   • The date of the equinox: It commonly refers to the date on which this astronomical event occurs, typically around March 20 or 21 in the Gregorian calendar.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The march equinox is a significant event for many cultures, symbolizing renewal and balance.
  • Day and night are nearly equal in length on the date of the march equinox.
  • Many ancient monuments are aligned with the sunrise on the march equinox.

Advanced Usage

• "The March equinox occurs": Used to state the happening of the astronomical event.

  • The March equinox occurs when the Sun's center passes through the celestial equator.

• "Around the time of the March equinox": Refers to the period close to this date.

  • Daylight begins to increase noticeably around the time of the March equinox.

Variants and Related Words

• Vernal equinox (n): A direct synonym for the March equinox, emphasizing the spring season.

  • The vernal equinox is celebrated as Nowruz, the Persian New Year.

• Spring equinox (n): Another common term for the March equinox.

  • The spring equinox is considered the first day of astronomical spring.

• Autumnal equinox (n): The corresponding equinox in September, marking the beginning of autumn in the Northern Hemisphere.

  • The autumnal equinox occurs around September 22 or 23.

Synonyms

• Vernal equinox: The equinox in March.
• Spring equinox: The equinox marking the start of spring.
• First point of Aries (historical/astronomical): An older astronomical term for the location of the March equinox on the celestial sphere.

Related Phrases

• Equinoctial point: The two points on the celestial sphere where the celestial equator and the ecliptic intersect, one of which is the March equinox.
• Equinoctial line: Another term for the celestial equator.

Related Concepts

• Equinox: The general term for either of the two times in the year when day and night are of approximately equal length.
• Solstice: The time of the year when the Sun is at its greatest distance from the celestial equator, marking the beginnings of summer and winter.

Noun

1. March 21