Welcome Spring!

Spring.  Feels like it's here, that's for sure.  It's warmer...the crocus are popping up, snow is almost gone (just piles of dirty, side-of-the-road snow left) and the birds are very active.  But is it really spring, the vernal equinox?

Here's what I found: Astronomically speaking, the March equinox occurs when the Sun crosses the celestial equator on its way north along the ecliptic.  This marks the start of the spring season.  Meteorologically speaking, Spring starts on March 1st.  This is because weather scientists use annual temperature cycles instead of the position of the Earth in relation to the Sun. Technically, the March equinox happens this year on March 20th at 6:45 pm.

This year on the Vernal Equinox there will be a rare event... a total eclipse of the Sun! (Did you sing that in your head like me?...da-doo!)  The next time this will happen will be 2034. It won't be visible from North America but if you happen to be in Greenland, Iceland, Europe, North Africa or northwestern Asia, enjoy it. But don't buy any unusual plants that day...just walk on by (good for you).  You might unleash this...

(If you're scratching your head, you've probably never seen Little Shop of Horrors.  I recommend it, it's a musical, great cast, funny...I LOVE it.  My mom will enjoy this post.  She's in Vegas now but she'll, hopefully, see it when she gets home.  You're welcome mom.)