Advertisement
World & Nation

The vernal equinox: the first day of spring

A seagull flies in front of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on the first day of spring. The temperature was expected to hit 60 in the area Thursday.

A seagull flies in front of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on the first day of spring. The temperature was expected to hit 60 in the area Thursday.  (Alex Wong / Getty Images)

Share

Thursday marks the vernal equinox, when the Earth’s tilt brings equal amounts of sunshine to the Northern and Southern hemispheres. In the United States, daylight will continue to last longer each day until the start of summer.

National Mall

People enjoy the first day of spring on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.   (Mark Wilson / Getty Images)

Plenty of snow

Donald Croteau works to clear nearly a foot of snow off his car on the first day of spring in North Woodstock, N.H. Much of the country remains in a deep freeze.  (Jim Cole / Associated Press)

First Day Of Spring Arrives After Extremely Harsh Winter

Flowers bloom in Central Park in New York City on Thursday. Today marks the first official day of Spring - the spring equinox occurred at 12:57PM today.  (Andrew Burton / Getty Images)

First Day Of Spring Arrives After Extremely Harsh Winter

Men play volleyball in Central Park in New York City on Tuesday. Today marks the first official day of Spring - the spring equinox occurred at 12:57PM today.  (Andrew Burton / Getty Images)

Arnold Palmer Invitational

John Senden of Australia hits his tee shot on the 18th hole during the first round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by MasterCard at the Bay Hill Club and Lodge in Orlando, Fla.  (Michael Cohen / Getty Images)

Acts of kindness

Spring de Haviland is overwhelmed by a wave while handing out carnations as part of the 3rd annual “Spring Into Kindness” day north of the Santa Monica Pier in celebration of the first day of Spring. She hopes to encourage everyone to support the group One Million Acts of Kindness whose goal is to encourage every one to perform one million acts of kindness in one’s lifetime. On the first day of Spring, participants are asked to surprise someone with an act of kindness. This is the third year that Spring de Haviland has participated in the campaign on the first day of Spring.   (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

Pennsylvania fire

A firefighter sets up a hose as he battles a fire in York, Pa. Firefighters said seven buildings were damaged, four of them heavily. No injuries were reported. The Red Cross was assisting 11 people forced from nearby row homes.   (Jason Plotkin / Associated Press)

World & Nation

More From the Los Angeles Times

Advertisement