AMHERST, Mass. (WWLP)-- Spring is a week away bringing with it warmer days and longer daylight. The Spring Equinox or Vernal Equinox is when the Earth's axis is tilted neither toward nor away from the sun, creating an almost equal amount of daylight and darkness. The sun rises due east and sets due west. The exact time of the equinox this year is 5:01 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time on March 20 as the sun moves from the southern to the northern half of the Earth. What time is the lunar eclipse in Massachusetts To learn more about this celestial event people are invited to attend two gatherings at the standing stones of the UMass Amherst Sunwheel on Thursday, March 20 at 6:45 a.m. and 6 p.m. UMass Amherst astronomer Stephen Schneider will explain the astronomical cause of the sun’s changing position as well as the historical use of standing stones around the world to identify the changing seasons. Just before sunset, the sun can be seen between the tall standing stones that form a portal on the west side of the Sunwheel. If it is clear before sunset, a solar telescope will be set up to safely observe the surface of the sun. Visitors should dress appropriately for the weather, including footwear for wet ground conditions. Poor weather will cancel the events. The UMass Amherst Sunwheel is located south of McGuirk Alumni Stadium, just off Rocky Hill Road (the continuation of Amity St.) about one-quarter-mile west of University Drive. More information on the Sunwheel and events can be found on the UMass Amherst Sunwheel website. Local News Headlines Yeshiva Academy celebrates Purim with music and fun Springfield crews put out brush fire on Anglesea Street Illegal burning sparks brush fire, damages Agawam home CitySpace offers free venue, stipend for western Mass performers WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. ...read more read less