Spring Facts and Fun Facts

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.

And What About Global Warming?According to the National Wildlife Federation, climate warming can instigate the early migration of animals, confusing the ecosystem and making food supply scarce. As species move, they may have to deal with different prey, predators and competitors as well as habitats that are less than ideal. It could take centuries for some plants to adapt to global warming.

Animals Commonly Associated With Spring...
Rabbit, gray whale, bald eagle, frog, hummingbird, robin, deer, fox, sea otter, bear, whooping crane, loon, manatee

Insects and Invertebrates Commonly Associated With Spring...
Honeybee, monarch butterfly, ladybug, earthworm

Plants/flowers Commonly Associated With Spring...
Azaleas, lilacs, tulips, dahlias, lilies, daffodils, hyacinths, primrose, maple

Songs About Spring...

In Led Zeppelin's "Rain Song," the first verse pays homage to the season of spring.

Van Morrison's "Celtic Spring" references spring throughout its chorus.

Legendary jazz vocalist Billie Holiday chants about love in the song "Some Other Spring."

Frank Sinatra is suddenly young and free in his song "Suddenly It's Spring."

Nina Simone has spring fever in "It Might as Well be Spring."

Tom Waits remembers everything that spring brings in "You Can Never Hold Back Spring."

Lead vocalist of Swedish band Flunk sings about his kiss in "Spring to Kingdom Come."

Folk songstress Dar Williams starts over on "Spring Street," where she's welcome any time.
Top U.S. Spring Break Getaways...
Beaches
Miami, Key West, South Padre Island, Myrtle Beach, Maui
Mountains/Skiing
Jackson Hole, Aspen, Lake Tahoe, Vail
Spring Break Family Trips
Washington DC, New York, Orlando, San Diego

What's Your Sign, Baby?
Aries [March 21 to April 19; meaning — ram; brightest star — Alpha Arietis; element — fire; ruling planet — Mars]
Under the tropical zodiac, Aries is associated with the vernal equinox. Aries is the first sign of the Zodiac and associated with fresh vigor and new beginnings. Individuals born under this sign are thought to be confident, aggressive, energetic, active, adventurous, enthusiastic, fair and passionate.
Taurus [April 20 to May 21; meaning — bull; brightest star — Aldebaron; element — earth; ruling planet — Venus]
Taurus is the second sign of the Zodiac and is associated with material pleasure. Individuals born under this sign are thought to be calm, patient, reliable, loyal, affectionate, sensuous, ambitious, and determined.
Gemini [May 22 to June 21; meaning — twins; brightest star — Pollux; element — air; ruling planet — Mercury]
Gemini is the third sign of the Zodiac and associated with youth and versatility. Individuals born under this sign are thought to have a sociable, fun-loving, versatile, lively, communicative, liberal, mentally active and friendly character.
This Time, Last Year(s)... March 21 (First Day of Spring) History
   1556   Archbishop of Canterbury Thomas Cranmer is burned at the stake.
   1697   Czar Peter the Great begins tour through West Europe.
   1804   French civil Code of Napoleon is adopted.
   1851   Yosemite Valley is discovered in California.
   1859   First Zoological Society incorporates in Philadelphia.
   1935   Persia officially changed its name to Iran.
   1962   A bear becomes the first creature to be ejected at supersonic speeds.
   1963   Alcatraz, maximum security prison on the island in San Francisco Bay, closes after 29 years.
   1979   Egyptian Parliament unanimously approve peace treaty with Israel.
   1980   On the television show Dallas, J.R. Ewing is shot.
   1984   Part of Central Park is named Strawberry Fields honoring John Lennon.
   1985   Arthur Ashe is named to International Tennis Hall of Fame.
   1990   Namibia becomes independent of South Africa, and Sam Nujoma becomes president.
   1994   Wayne Gretzky ties Gordie Howe's NHL record of 801 goals.
First Day of Spring (March 21) Birthdays
   1685   Johann Sebastian Bach, composer
   1816   Charlotte Bronte, novelist and poet
   1869   Florenz Ziegfield, American impresario
   1958   Gary Oldman, actor
   1962   Rosie O'Donell, actress, comedian and talk show host
   1963   Matthew Broderick, American actor
   1978   Kevin Federline, husband to Britney Spears