NORTHERN HEMISPHERE  —This week those in the northern hemisphere are collectively shaking off winter as the Spring, or Vernal, Equinox approaches. This year, the Equinox will occur on Wednesday, March 20, signifying the moment where winter technically ends for northern climes. 

During the Equinox, the sun rises in the east and sets 12 hours later in the west, this revolution is identical for the entire planet. 

Following the oft dreaded time change — or “spring ahead” longer days and greater evening light promises that spring will soon arrive. While many areas are still blanketed in formidable amounts of snow, the emergence of mud season is also easy to detect as boots, paws and what have you are indeed needing a thorough wipe down after any trip outdoors. While evenings remain chilly, the bright skies and increasingly frequent days where outdoor temperatures top 45 degrees are all promises of the gentler seasons to come. 

Meanwhile, on the other side of the equator, seasons are also shifting: March 20 begins the autumn equinox in southern climes as their summer comes to a close. 

Another phenomenon unique to 2019 is that on March 20 a full moon will rise. This is the first time that the equinox and a full super moon have coincided since 2000, according to earthsky.org. 

This year, the equinox arrives in Maine at 5:58 p.m. The super moon will rise at 9:43 p.m. 

During the equinox, day and night are almost identical in length as the earth revolves around the sun. This occurs twice annually – once in March and once in September. 

While all signs of spring, including its official start, are here Mainers know better than to get too optimistic, we know all too well that the change of season is not akin to the flip of a switch. Thus those winter boots, muddy as they may be, remain by the door and our hats, coats and gloves aren’t stashed away even after the very first crocuses bloom. 

Reach Jenna Lookner at jlooknercopy@gmail.com