Equinox, eclipse, and supermoon

Normally, I only have to wish my readers a Happy Vernal Equinox on this date.  Not this year, as the Washington Post reports in Spring trifecta ends splendid week — solar eclipse, supermoon and equinox.

The past few days have been great for sky-watchers as a beautiful aurora sank as far south as the Midwest and Northeast on Tuesday night, the result of a severe geomagnetic storm. And Friday will add even more splendor as three astronomical events coincide on one day: a total solar eclipse, a supermoon and the vernal equinox.

Friday at 6:45 p.m. will mark the vernal equinox and the first day of astronomical spring. At this point, the direct rays of the sun are passing over the equator, perpendicular to Earth. It might not feel like spring with snow still in the forecast for many in the eastern U.S., but it is the first day in the march toward summer as the sun’s direct rays return from their Southern Hemisphere vacation.

The Wall Street Journal has more in its video Solar Eclipse Offers Viewers a Celestial Treat.

Parts of Europe will be treated to three astronomical events at once on Friday: a supermoon, a total eclipse of the sun and the spring equinox. The concurrence of all three celestial events is rare and has excited both amateur and professional skywatchers. Gautam Naik reports.

What a spectacular way to welcome in spring and close the fourth year of this blog!