The word equinox comes from two Latin words meaning equal and night. That’s because on the equinox, day and night last almost the same amount of time — though one may get a few extra minutes, depending on where you are on the planet.

The spring equinox will occur at 5:01 a.m. EDT on Thursday. Here's what to know about the start of the spring season.

The spring equinox on March 20 marks the start of the spring season, bringing longer days to the Northern Hemisphere. Here's what to know