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 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.

Tell-tale signs of spring are all around us, with crocus, snowdrops, and even early iris in bloom. Birds are nesting and the grass is looking greener.