An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics
English-French-Persian

Of or pertaining to spring. → vernal equinox.

From L. vernalis "of the spring," from vernus "of spring," from uēr "spring," cognate with Pers. bahâr, as below.

Bahâri of or pertaining to bahâr "spring;" Mid.Pers. wahâr "spring;" O.Pers. vāhara- "spring time," θūra-vāhara- "name of a spring month;" Av. vaηhar "spring;" cf. Skt. vasara- "relating or appearing in the morning;" Gk. ear "spring;" L. uēr "spring," vernus "of spring;" O.N. vār "spring;" Lith. vasara "summer;" O.C.S. vesna "spring."

The point of intersection between the ecliptic and the celestial equator at which the Sun passes from south to north of the celestial equator during its apparent annual motion. The instant of this event. It occurs on March 20, 21 or rarely 19. At the vernal equinox, as with the → autumnal equinox, night and day are equal in length world over. Several thousands years ago the vernal equinox was in Aries, but because of precession it has now slid west into Pisces. Right ascension and celestial longitude are measured from the vernal equinox. Also known as spring equinox. → First Point of Aries.

→ vernal; → equinox.

The intersection point between the → celestial equator and the → ecliptic from where the Sun apparently enters into the northern celestial hemisphere.

→ vernal; → point.

The time interval between two successive passages of the Sun, when the true longitude of the Sun is considered. In other words, the interval during which the Sun's true longitude increases by 360 degrees. Its mean length for the epoch J2000.0 is 365.24236460 real solar days (approximately 365.2424 days). The vernal-equinox year, on which the Iranian calender is based, should not be confused with → tropical year. See also: A concise review of the Iranian calendar. → Iranian calendar

→ vernal; → equinox; → year.