COLUMBIA, S.C. — Getting excited about the days getting longer?
Know why it happens?
The change in daylight hours is due to the position of the Earth with the Sun.
As the Earth rotates around the Sun, the tilt of its axis causes different parts of the planet to receive varying amounts of sunlight.
During the winter solstice in December, the Northern Hemisphere is tilted furthest away from the Sun, resulting in the shortest day and longest night of the year. As the Earth continues its orbit, the Northern Hemisphere begins to tilt back towards the Sun, causing the days to gradually get longer.
As the days lengthen, our natural environment also changes significantly.
Plants and animals begin to respond to increased levels of sunlight.
This can result in early blooms for some plants and the awakening of hibernating animals in preparation for spring.
The lengthening days in February provide more opportunities to enjoy the outdoors and get some much-needed sunshine.