Shrinking daylight signals the approaching autumn equinox in the United Arab Emirates, marking the end of their summer season.

The autumnal equinox, a significant event in the astronomical calendar, is approaching in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). On September 23, the day and night will be nearly equal in length, marking a significant shift in daylight and nighttime hours.

This annual event, also known as the autumnal equinox, is not repeated on the same date each year, with the exact date varying slightly from year to year. According to Ibrahim Al Jarwan, an astronomer and key figure in the astronomical community, the equinox represents one of the most significant annual astronomical shifts.

Ibrahim Al Jarwan, who is both the chairman of the Emirates Astronomy Society and a member of the Arab Union for Astronomy and Space Sciences, explained that by the autumnal equinox on September 23, day and night will be near equality in the UAE, each at around 12 hours.

As we move through September and into October, daylight across the UAE will gradually shorten. Nighttime, on the other hand, will lengthen by 8-10 minutes weekly. This gradual change in daylight and nighttime hours is a natural phenomenon that affects both daylight and temperature.

The shortest day of the year in the UAE is the winter solstice on December 21, with just 10 hours and 20 minutes of daylight. Conversely, the longest day of the year in the UAE is the summer solstice on June 21, with 13 hours and 40 minutes of daylight.

The autumnal equinox not only marks a change in daylight hours but also heralds the transition to autumn in the UAE. This transition is accompanied by a gradual drop in temperatures and changes in the country's weather patterns.

While there is no information available about the astronomer in the UAE responsible for the annual lengthening of the night in September and October by 8-10 minutes per week, Ibrahim Al Jarwan's work and contributions to the astronomical community are well-documented.

In conclusion, the autumnal equinox, occurring on September 23, is a significant event that marks the transition to autumn in the UAE. This event is accompanied by a gradual drop in daylight hours and a lengthening of nighttime, signalling the approaching winter season.

Shrinking daylight signals the approaching autumn equinox in the United Arab Emirates, marking the end of their summer season.