Spring Trivia Questions

The vernal equinox (around March 20) marks astronomical spring. The Sun is directly over the equator, giving roughly 12 hours of day and 12 hours of night everywhere on Earth.

Groundhog Day is a folk tradition with roots in Candlemas, but studies show Punxsutawney Phil's accuracy is around 39%. Spring's arrival is determined by astronomy and climate patterns.

This is a persistent myth. While the vernal equinox may make it slightly easier due to Earth's axial tilt, you can actually balance an egg on its end any day of the year with enough patience.

Most spring allergies come from wind-pollinated trees (oak, birch) and grasses, not showy flowers. Flowers like roses have heavy, sticky pollen that rarely becomes airborne.

Birch pollen is extremely light and aerodynamic, allowing long-distance transport. Research has detected birch pollen from northern Europe reaching the UK, a journey of over 400 miles, causing allergy outbreaks far from source trees.

Farmers actually opposed Daylight Saving Time. It was first proposed by Benjamin Franklin as a joke, then adopted during WWI to save fuel. Farmers rely on morning light for livestock and crops.

In the Gregorian calendar, the March equinox only occurs on March 19, 20, or 21. It never falls on March 22; that last happened under the Julian calendar before the 1582 reform.

Spring's clash of warm, moist Gulf air with cold polar air creates ideal conditions for severe thunderstorms and tornadoes, especially in Tornado Alley. Peak months are April through June.