To Everything Turn, Turn, Turn...
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association, the seasons are caused by the Earth being tilted on its axis by an average of 23.5 degrees (Earth's tilt on its axis actually varies from near 22 degrees to 24.5 degrees).

As the Earth revolves around the Sun, the Sun is directly over the equator. The Sun's energy is in balance between the northern and southern hemispheres. During the spring equinox near March 21st, the Sun is once again directly over the equator.

A common misconception is that the Earth is farther from the sun in winter than in summer. Actually, the Earth is closest to the sun in December, which is winter in the Northern hemisphere.

Spring is the Air!
In the United States and the rest of the northern hemisphere, the first day of the spring season is the day of the year when the Sun crosses the celestial equator moving northward (on March 20th or 21st). This day is known as the vernal equinox.

The vernal equinox marks the beginning of the astrological year when the sun enters the sign of Aries. Also known as Ostara, the pagan goddess of spring and fertility, the vernal equinox signifies new life emerging this time of year.

Spring Forward...
Beginning in 2007, most of the United States begins Daylight Saving Time at 2:00 a.m. on the second Sunday in March and reverts to standard time on the first Sunday in November. In the U.S., each time zone switches at a different time.

According to studies conducted by the U.S. Department of Transportation, Daylight Saving Time saves energy. Results show that Daylight Saving Time trims the entire country's electricity usage by a small but significant amount (about one percent a day) because less electricity is used.

Why Wear a Watch?
One of the best ways to determine spring is by watching and tracking migratory animals, such as fish, bats, birds and butterflies that have an innate biological clock necessary for survival by means of eating, waking/sleeping, blooming, migrating, mating and more.

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