WTF Fun Fact 13325 – Spring Daylight

In spring daylight increases each day by 2-3 minutes. This helps the world awakens from its winter slumber. As the days get longer and the sun begins to shine brighter, it’s a reminder that winter is behind us and summer is just around the corner.

How does spring daylight increase?

The increase in daylight during the spring season is a result of the Earth’s axial tilt and position in its orbit around the sun. During the spring equinox, the Earth’s axis is tilted neither toward nor away from the sun, resulting in equal amounts of light and darkness. After the spring equinox, the Northern Hemisphere begins to tilt more toward the sun. This is what leads to longer days and shorter nights.

Gaining light

Throughout the spring season, the amount of daylight increases by approximately 2-3 minutes each day. This adds up to a significant increase in total daylight hours by the end of the season. By the time the summer solstice rolls around in late June, some places in the Northern Hemisphere can experience as much as 17 hours of daylight.

This increase in daylight has an impact on both the natural world and human behavior. For plants, the longer days provide more opportunities for photosynthesis. For humans, they provide more opportunities for outdoor activities and recreation. This increase in activity can have a positive impact on physical and mental health. Exposure to sunlight has been shown to boost mood and energy levels.

Despite the many benefits of longer daylight hours in the spring, one notable challenge is the loss of sleep that can occur when the clocks “spring forward” for daylight saving time. But in the end, most people agree that springtime gives them a feeling of renewal.

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Source: “How Much Daylight Do We Gain After the Winter Solstice?” — Old Farmer’s Almanac