PH to experience ‘longest day’ today

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines and countries in the northern hemisphere will experience the longest day on Friday during the summer solstice, the state weather bureau said.

“Philippine nights are at their shortest and daytimes are at their longest around the Summer solstice, which falls on June 21 at 1:04 p.m. (Philippine Standard Time),” the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said in its astronomical diary for June 2013.

“This is the time when the Sun attains its greatest declination of +23.5 degrees and passes directly overhead at noon for all observers at latitude 23.5 degrees North, which is known as the Tropic of Cancer. This event marks the start of the apparent southward movement of the Sun in the ecliptic,” it added.

“Solstice” is derived from the Latin word “sol” (sun) and “sistere” (to stand still). This summer solstice also signals the start of summer season in some parts of the world.

According to the National Geographic, the northern hemisphere receives more sunlight than on any other day of the year during summer solstice.  But even as earth is absorbing a lot of sunlight during this time, it takes several weeks to release it. Thus, the hottest days of summer are usually in July or August.

Friday’s sunrise was at 5:28a.m., and sunset will be at 6:27p.m., Pagasa said.