Spring Arrives!

Astronomical Spring arrives Thursday, March 20 at 4:01 a.m. CDT. This day known as the Vernal Equinox or “First Point of Aries” is a welcome day in the calendar.

Geographical locations on the earth are defined by longitude and latitude. The zero point for longitude is the Greenwich meridian and for latitude the equator. Navigation in space is equally important. A celestial sphere was developed. The zero point chosen was the point at which the Sun crosses the celestial equator as it moves from south to north along the vernal equinox. This point is known as the ‘First Point of Aries’ because in 150 B.C. when Ptolemy first mapped the constellations, Aries lay in that position. However, although still named the ‘first point of Aries’, due to precession, the vernal equinox now lays in the constellation Pisces.

As space exploration continues both manned and unmanned, it is important to know where information is being gathered and returned to earth. “Astro Navigation Demystified” by Jack Case is a great resource for those wishing to locate stars, black holes and galaxies throughout the universe.

Here on Earth, the major interest in Spring is the weather. In 2025, a nasty cold spell was followed by an unusually warm period. Buds on fruit trees are expanding and very susceptible to damage. Also weather determines the presence of many pollinators. Plants and insects as well as humans have to be terribly confused.

Two almanacs are involved in long term weather prediction — The Old Farmer’s Almanac (1762) and the Farmers’ Almanac (1818) are separate organizations and use different formulas for predicting weather. Bot predict two years ahead of publication.

Here is your chance to follow one prediction and keep a record of accuracy. Farmers’ Almanac recommends getting ready for a “Thunder and Zing Spring!”. Spring will take its time arriving. Winter conditions will linger across the Midwest and the Great Lakes.

To follow for the entire year and double check the predictions, see https://www.farmersalmanac.com/spring-extended-weather