Ticketed

Essential information

Type
Talks and tours
Location
Online
Date and times Originally hosted on Thursday 20 March 2025
Prices Free | Members only

Join one of our Royal Observatory astronomers to learn about the spring equinox which will occur on 20 March. 

What is the spring equinox? 

The spring equinox is when astronomical spring is said to start. 

What happens during the spring equinox? 

Changes in the length of day and night begin and are caused by the tilt of the Earth. When the Earth orbits the Sun, at certain times of year the northern hemisphere is tilted towards the Sun and the southern hemisphere is tilted away from it. For the other half of the year, the reverse happens.  

Equinoxes happen when neither hemisphere is tilted towards or away from the Sun and there are roughly equal hours of daylight and darkness. Solstices, on the other hand, happen when a specific hemisphere is tilted towards or away from the Sun, which results in long days or long nights. 

Couldn't make it for the webinar? Watch back the event online here:

What’s on

See more Member events at Royal Museums Greenwich.

Workshops | Member events

Members' solar observing

Learn how to view the Sun safely using special solar telescopes with the Flamsteed Astronomy Society
Thursday 6 August 2026 | Slots starting at 6.30pm and 7.15pm
Free for Members
Royal Observatory
Talks and tours | Member events

Members' treasures tours

Explore the treasures of the National Maritime Museum with one of our expert guides
Saturday 18 July, Tuesday 11 August and Sunday 20 September 2026 | 11am
Free for Members
National Maritime Museum
Family fun | Member events

Discover our Ocean Map

Explore our Ocean Map with a curator in this event for children
Tuesday 11 and Tuesday 18 August 2026 | 10.30-11am
Free for Members
National Maritime Museum
Talks and tours

Scott, Shackleton and survival in the frozen frontier

Before Scott’s tragic race to the South Pole and Shackleton’s legendary Endurance, there was Discovery, the expedition that began it all. Discover more in this exclusive in conversation event
Tuesday 18 August 2026 | 6.30-7.30pm
Free for Members
National Maritime Museum
Talks and tours | Space and astronomy

Cosmic Light

Join astronomers Tom Kerss and Dr Ryan French for this specially illustrated talk revealing how ground-breaking observatories have expanded our view of the Universe
Wednesday 2 September 2026 | 6.30-7.30pm
Free for Members | £5 for non-Members
National Maritime Museum
Family fun | Member events

Members' craft workshop

Join us for exclusive craft workshops, just for Members
Saturday 12 September and Saturday 21 November 2026 | 10.30am-12.30pm and 1.30-3.30pm
Free for Members
National Maritime Museum
Talks and tours | Member events

Members' lecture: the most important naval officer you’ve never heard of

Join author Alan Harper as he recounts the extraordinary life of Royal Navy warrant officer Greenvile Collins, the subject of his book Master & Cartographer
Tuesday 15 September | 6.30-7.30pm
Free for Members
National Maritime Museum
Exhibitions | Talks and tours

Members' private view: ZWO Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2026

View the brand-new exhibition of the world's greatest space photography, and learn more about the amazing winning and shortlisted images
Thursday 24 September 2026 | 6.30-8.30pm
Free for Members
National Maritime Museum
Events and festivals

Anniversary Celebration at the Queen's House

Ten years on from the major reopening of the Queen's House, come and celebrate the making of a 'House of Delights' for the 21st century with a special programme of events
Thursday 8 October, Saturday 10 October, Sunday 11 October and Thursday 22 October 2026 | Various times
Tickets from £0-£40
Queen's House
Talks and tours | Space and astronomy

Members' lecture: Galaxies with Jake Foster

Royal Observatory astronomer Jake Foster explores the Universe on an expansive scale, showcasing and examining the stars, planets, gas and dark matter that populate our cosmos
Tuesday 13 October | 6.30-7.30pm
Free for Members
National Maritime Museum
Events and festivals | Museum Lates

In conversation with Richard Wright: celebrating 10 years of the Great Hall ceiling

Hear first-hand about the ideas, craftsmanship, and legacy behind this spectacular ceiling installation
Thursday 22 October 2026 | Doors open at 6.30pm | In conversation at 7pm
Adult £25 | Students £22.50
Queen's House

Image Credit: Riverside of Funakawa in Spring by Takanobu Kurosaki, shortlisted in Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2022