Vernal Equinox 2025: Date, Time, and the Science Behind the Event
The upcoming vernal equinox is set to take place on March 20. 2025, marking the transition into spring in the Northern Hemisphere while the Southern Hemisphere moves into autumn. This astronomical event occurs twice a year when day and night are nearly equal in length across the globe. The phenomenon is attributed to Earth’s axial tilt of approximately 23.5 degrees, which determines how sunlight is distributed throughout the year. The equinox signifies a point where the planet is neither tilted towards nor away from the Sun, resulting in almost equal hours of daylight and darkness.
What Causes the Equinox?
According to research, the equinox occurs due to Earth’s orbital movement around the Sun while maintaining a fixed axial tilt. The alignment ensures that the Sun is positioned directly above the equator. This leads to an even distribution of sunlight across both hemispheres, creating a balance between daytime and nighttime hours. However, complete equality is not achieved as atmospheric refraction and the Sun’s apparent size cause a slight variation in the actual duration of daylight. Reports indicate that locations at the equator receive approximately 12 hours and 6 minutes of daylight, while regions at higher latitudes may experience slightly longer daylight hours.
Equinox Dates and Variations
Sources confirm that equinoxes do not always fall on the exact same date each year. While typically occurring around March 20 and September 22, slight variations arise due to the additional fraction of a day in Earth’s annual orbit. The timing of the equinox shifts gradually as the extra quarter-day accumulates, influencing the calendar date. Meteorologically, spring is considered to begin on March 1, while the astronomical definition aligns with the equinox.
Cultural Significance and Historical Observations
Ancient civilisations have long tracked equinoxes, incorporating them into agricultural cycles and cultural practices. Historical records highlight that structures such as Angkor Wat in Cambodia and El Castillo in Mexico were designed to align with the equinoxes, demonstrating their significance in early astronomy. The phenomenon continues to hold importance in various traditions, with some cultures observing it as a time of reflection and seasonal transition.
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Vernal Equinox, Spring Equinox, March Equinox, Equinox 2025, Earth’s Orbit, Astronomy, Daylight, Nighttime, Seasonal Changes, Northern Hemisphere, Southern Hemisphere
Three live dire wolf pups have been born using reconstructed DNA. The extinct species had last roamed North America around 12,500 years ago. The milestone was reached by a Dallas-based biotech firm that focuses on genetic conservation. Ancient DNA samples from fossilised remains were analysed. Modern gene-editing tools were used to mimic key characteristics of the extinct predator. These pups were brought to life by implanting modified embryos into domestic dog surrogates. The young wolves have been named Romulus, Remus and Khaleesi.
Ancient DNA edited in lab to recreate species
According to a study shared by Colossal Biosciences, DNA samples had been collected from two ancient dire wolf fossils. One was a 13,000-year-old tooth, while the other was a 72,000-year-old skull fragment. These fragments were compared to modern wolf relatives and grey wolves were chosen for DNA alteration because of their evolutionary proximity. Gene sequences that were found only in dire wolves were isolated. These were introduced into the DNA of grey wolves through targeted editing.
Cloning technique used to implant embryos
The altered genetic material was inserted into grey wolf egg cells after removing their original nuclei. These prepared cells were placed inside domestic dogs. Each surrogate received multiple embryos. Interestingly, only one embryo survived in each of the first two dogs. Both gave birth by caesarean section, while the third pup was born in a second round of implantation.
Physical traits match fossil record
The new pups have been observed to develop features consistent with known dire wolf fossils. Thick white coats, larger teeth and body structure have been reported. These results came from identifying changes in 14 genes. The gene edits were introduced using CRISPR technology.
The same company had previously cloned red wolves. The team had also created “woolly mice” as part of a mammoth revival effort. The successful dire wolf birth marks a new phase in gene-driven species restoration.
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Lightning is commonly considered a sign of disaster in the forest, as lightning kills or damages trees. On the lowlands of Panama, the tonka bean tree (Dipteryx oleifera) might have evolved to capitalize on this natural occurrence. New research suggests that lightning strikes could help the tonka bean tree (Dipteryx oleifera). According to Live Science research, these trees not only survive these electrical interactions unharmed, but the lightning also harms their competitors and the parasitic vines that cling to the tonka bean plants.
The researchers published their findings on March 26 in the journal New Phytologist. Lightning is a major cause of tree mortality in tropical forests, particularly among the largest and oldest trees, which play important roles in carbon storage and biodiversity.
Lightning as a Canopy Weapon
On average, each lightning hit destroyed over 2.4 tons (2 metric tons) of adjacent tree biomass and approximately 80 percent of the lianas (parasitic vines) that plagued the tonka bean canopy. As per Gora’s assumption, the key to these trees’ lightning resistance comes from their physical structure.
A few studies describe the tree as having strong internal conductivity, letting lightning current flow through without building up damaging heat like a well-insulated wire. Because they tend to grow large — up to 130 feet (40 meters)—and live for centuries, a single tonka bean tree is estimated to be struck at least five times after reaching maturity. Each strike helps to clear out vines and competitors, opening up the canopy to help it thrive.
Ecological Impact and Evolutionary Marvel
Gregory Moore, a horticulturalist from the University of Melbourne who was not involved in the study, thinks the results will apply to other species. “The sort of work could also apply to other tree-dominated plant communities, such as woodlands or low woodlands where trees are widely separated, so it’s nothing like a tropical forest,” he said, adding that other tall trees are also possible targets of lightning strikes.
More Than Just a Tree
“We have long known that some trees can withstand multiple lightning strikes,” Moore said, noting that some tall trees survive Australian bushfires and grow up towering over their neighbors, making them prime targets for lightning strikes. “They are often referred to as stags because the top of the crown has been blown out, but they can survive for centuries after being hit by lightning,” he added.
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