MANILA, Philippines - Nights will start to grow longer after the autumnal equinox today, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said yesterday.
The weather bureau said the length of day and night is equal during the autumnal equinox.
“Hence, thereafter, Philippine nights will be longer as the sun moves below the celestial equator towards the southern hemisphere,” it said.
This astronomical event signifies the approach of winter in the northern hemisphere and summer in the southern hemisphere, PAGASA said.
The autumn equinox occurs every year in September, marking the point at which the sun passes the celestial equator in a southward direction.
The earth tilts upward on its axis, exposing the countries below the equator to more sun and those above it to less sun, it said.
In countries such as Iran, Japan and Korea, holidays and public festivals take place to mark the autumnal equinox.
It also had great significance in Ancient Rome. Romans celebrated the autumn equinox to praise Pomona, the goddess of fruitful abundance and growth.