EQUINOX The time when night and day are of equal length in all parts of the
Earth. The word equinox comes from a Latin word meaning "equal night." Spring equinox: the beginning of spring, often called the vernal
equinox. Vernal means "of spring." It occurs on March 20th or 21st. Autumnal equinox: the beginning of autumn. It occurs on
September 22nd or 23rd.
SOLSTICE The time of year when the sun reaches the farthest north or farthest
south. The word solstice means "sun stands still." Summer solstice: The day of the summer solstice is the longest
day of the year. It is the beginning of summer, on June 21st or 22nd. Winter solstice: The day of the winter solstice is the shortest
day of the year. It is the beginning of winter, on December 21st or
22nd.
SEASONS Each season -- spring, summer, autumn and winter -- lasts about three
months and brings changes in temperature, weather and the length of
daylight. The seasons keep changing because the tilt of the Earth's axis
never changes while the earth circles the sun.
DST started on Sunday, April 4, 2004, at 2:00 AM local standard
time DST ends on Sunday, October 31, 2004, at 2:00 AM local daylight
time
5:
21:
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