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physical phenomena > event > celestial event > periodic celestial event > equinox > vernal equinox |
vernal equinox comparison table |
Subject | is an instance of | is a kind of | has date | has synonym | has definition |
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equinox | periodic celestial event | world point | Either of the two points on the celestial sphere at which the ecliptic intersects the celestial equator; also the time at which the Sun passes through either of these intersection points; i.e., when the apparent longitude (see apparent place; celestial longitude) of the Sun is 0° or 180°. (See catalog equinox; dynamical equinox for precise usage.) | ||
vernal equinox | equinox | on or around 21 March | spring equinox | The point of intersection between the ecliptic and the celestial equator, where the Sun crosses from south to north. It is sometimes called the First Point of Aries because several thousand years ago it was in Aries. Because of precession it has now slid west into Pisces and in 200-300 years it will edge into Aquarius. By definition, the vernal equinox is at α = 0°, δ = 0°. |
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