As the Earth travels around the sun, it does so at an angle. For most of the year, the Earth’s axis is tilted either toward or away from the sun. Tuesday will be one of two days out of the year – the other being the day of the autumnal equinox in September – when the Earth's axis is tilted neither toward nor away from the sun, resulting in roughly 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of darkness almost everywhere on Earth. So it's an "equal night," which is where the word equinox originated: the two Latin words aequus (equal) and nox (night), according to the National Weather Service. Each day for the next three months, the sun will get higher in the sky – and the daily amount of daylight longer – until the summer solstice in June.

The spring equinox is important because it marks the official beginning of spring in the Northern Hemisphere. It is a time when the days start to get longer, the weather starts to get warmer, and plants and animals begin to come out of hibernation. It is a time of renewal and growth, and many cultures and religions have celebrated the spring equinox as a time of rebirth and new beginnings. It is also a time when many people engage in spring cleaning and gardening to prepare for the new season.

While the spring equinox is celebrated in different ways around the world, it is generally seen as a time of celebration and joy. In many cultures, it is a time for festivals, feasts, and outdoor activities. In some cultures, it is associated with fertility and the planting of crops. In others, it is a time for spiritual reflection and meditation.

The spring equinox has been depicted in various forms of popular culture, including literature, music, and art. It is often portrayed as a time of beauty, growth, and new beginnings. Many songs, poems, and books have been written about the spring equinox and its significance in our lives. It is a time when people feel a sense of hope and optimism for the future.