A partially burnt tree is blossoming on Maiden Ln in Altadena (Photo – W.K.)
At 2:01 am on Thursday, March 20, 2025, the Earth reaches the point in its orbit known as the Vernal or Spring Equinox. At this moment, neither hemisphere is tilted toward the Sun, and the Sun shines directly on Earth’s equator. On this day, everywhere on Earth experiences roughly equal amounts of daylight and nighttime, about 12 hours of each, due to the Earth taking approximately 24 hours to rotate once on its axis.
By Scott Phelps
For people in the northern hemisphere, it marks the first day of Spring. From now until the Summer Solstice on June 20, 2025, the Earth’s orbital motion will cause the northern hemisphere to tilt increasingly toward the Sun. This will result in the Sun appearing higher in the sky and the number of daylight hours increasing, bringing more direct sunlight and, consequently, warmer temperatures.
In Persian and other Middle Eastern cultures, Naw-Ruz (or Now-Ruz), the New Year, is celebrated on this day. This ancient festival marks a time to celebrate spring and to purify oneself. For followers of the Baha’i Faith, which originated in Persia, Naw-Ruz signifies the end of a 19-day daytime fasting period that serves as a season of restraint in preparation for the new year.
For residents with solar panels, the energy generated by these panels has been increasing and will continue to do so. The natural wonders of spring are already unfolding: poppies are blooming, deciduous trees are sprouting new leaves, and, as readers have noted, the burnt and barren mountains are beginning to show signs of greenery. I hope that the arrival of spring brings light to everyone’s lives, especially those who have lost homes and loved ones.
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