Equinox

This blue and green lighting at the Empire State Building last night was to celebrate Earth Day, which marks the exact moment of the Vernal Equinox occurs (the first day of spring in the Northern Hemisphere). This was last night at 8:07 PM EDT (on the equinox, night and day are the same length anywhere on earth). The idea of an international Earth Day was introduced in 1969 by John McConnell and in 1971, UN Secretary-General U Thant signed a proclamation to that effect. There are actually two Earth Days - yesterday's was the equinoctial Earth Day. The other Earth Day is on April 22. First celebrated in 1970, it started the environmental movement. The fact that there are two Earth Days can be somewhat confusing - if you would like to sort it out click here for the equinoctial and click here for the April 22nd. The Empire State building has a sophisticated lighting system with hundreds of lamps and fixtures - you can read about it here. The building is lit in different color themes to celebrate various holidays, seasons, celebrations and causes (it is lit white between color themes). Many wonder about the specific meaning of these themes - the official website maintains a schedule of tower light colors and their explanation - click here. This photo was taken from 14th Street overlooking Union Square. I love night photography, tall buildings, blue and springtime - this was the perfect photo op...