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Spring equinox

Staff photos by Gage Cureton Old Glory enjoys some sunlight in front of City Hall Wednesday. Wednesday marked the first time since 1981 that the spring equinox and a full moon fell on the same day.

NEW ULM — Spring began to show its face Wednesday as temperatures reached a high of about 44 degrees and sunny clear skies ate away at winter’s snowfall.

The first day of spring, known as the spring equinox, marks one of the two times of year when the length of day and night are nearly the same.

This phenomenon in part happens when the Earth begins to tilt on its axis with the northern hemisphere leaning closer towards the solar system’s power source, the Sun.

The center of the visible Sun lines up with Earth’s equator, making the lengths of day and night nearly identical.

The spring equinox’s contrasting cousin, the fall equinox, occurs between Sept. 21 and Sept. 24, with 2018’s occurring on Sept. 23. The northern hemisphere tilts away from the Sun, and the days grow shorter and colder.

An interesting fact with this year’s spring equinox is the inclusion of a full moon Wednesday at 8:42 p.m. central time. It’s the first time since 1981 that a full moon and spring equinox fall on the same day.

Wednesday’s full moon is also interesting because of its closer proximity to Earth. Known as a supermoon, it appears much larger.

Weather forecasts through Friday predict highs in the mid-40s and lows in the mid-20s. Saturday predictions show temperatures in the low to mid-50s. More rain may appear Sunday morning and evening.

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