ROCHESTER, N.Y. – The ancient monument of Stonehenge, located in southern England, has fascinated people for thousands of years. Built over 5,000 years ago, its origins remain a mystery—we don’t know exactly who constructed it or why. However, many believe it was used for ceremonies and rituals, possibly tied to astronomical events like the solstice and equinox.

At News10NBC, our First Alert meteorologists are also closely tracking the change of seasons. As the Earth orbits the Sun, its tilt or angle determines how much sunlight different parts of the world receive, shaping our seasons. Right now, the Sun’s direct rays are positioned over the equator, marking a time of nearly equal amounts of daylight and nighttime hours. This phenomenon is linked to the Tropic of Cancer in the Northern Hemisphere and the Tropic of Capricorn in the Southern Hemisphere, both of which play a role in seasonal shifts.

One of the most exciting seasonal changes is the Vernal Equinox, which officially arrives on Thursday, March 20, at 5:01 a.m. At the News10NBC forecast center, we celebrate this celestial event—hopefully, you will too!