A wonderful time of the year: Shortest day, longest night in PH on Dec 22
MANILA, Philippines — This Thursday, a one-of-a-kind event is taking place in the Philippines.
Because of the December solstice, the archipelago nation will experience the shortest day and the longest night of the year.
The extraordinary phenomenon was announced by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).
Pagasa defined the solstice as the time of year when the most significant difference between night and day at certain latitudes occurs. Solstices typically occur in July and December, it added.
This year’s December solstice began early in the morning at 5:48 a.m., reported the state weather bureau.
“During the December solstice, the northern hemisphere will experience the shortest day and longest night, this day,” said Pagasa.
State meteorology explained that the country, being in the northern hemisphere, will be tilted away from the sun, causing a longer night.
According to Pagasa, this officially marks the start of winter for countries that experience it in the Northern Hemisphere.
“Consequently, in the southern hemisphere, this day marks the first day of summer,” added Pagasa.
Parts of the Philippines are also experiencing colder weather due to the northeast monsoon in Luzon.
