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What's the difference between astronomical spring and meteorological spring?

Spring officially begins Saturday, March 20.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Astronomical spring starts Saturday, March 20 at 5:37 a.m. and marks the first day of the spring season in the northern hemisphere. 

Also known as the vernal or spring equinox, the northern hemisphere will begin to tilt more so towards the sun, giving way to increasing daylight hours and warming temperatures. 

Credit: wcnc

The word equinox is Latin and means "equal night." On the day of the equinox, the length of day and night are nearly equal across the world.

Astronomical spring is different from meteorological spring because meteorological spring is based on annual temperature cycles, whereas astronomical spring is based on the earth's rotation around the sun. 

RELATED: What does meteorological spring mean?

    

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