Spring Equinox The spring equinox is the time of year when the sun's most direct rays hit the equator. The earth's axis is not tipped toward or away from the sun. That day, the length of the day and night are about 12 hours everywhere on Earth. (The word equinox means "equal nights.") The Sun's Rays on the Equinox This picture shows where the sun's most direct rays hit the Earth on the first day of spring (the equinox). Those strong direct rays will then begin to move north of the equator. (Roll your mouse over the image.) North America will receive more and more hours of sunlight.* From Spring Equinox to Summer Solstice On the summer solstice, the sun's most direct rays will have reached their most northern point. North America will have its longest day. On the spring equinox, the Earth's axis is not tipped toward or away from the sun. On our summer solstice, the Northern Hemisphere is tipped toward the sun. Cycle of the Seasons In the picture below, the top globe shows the Earth in relation to the sun on the spring equinox. The Earth is not tilted toward or away from the sun. * The sun's most direct rays actually begin hitting further north after the winter solstice. That's also when days begin to get longer. After the equinox, this happens much more quickly.