Oman today_ On March 20, the vernal equinox begins in Oman, marking the start of spring in the Northern Hemisphere and autumn in the Southern Hemisphere. This astronomical event occurs at 1:07 PM Muscat time, when the sun is positioned directly over the equator. In Muscat, the sun rises at 6:11 AM, reaches its zenith at 12:14 PM, and sets at 6:18 PM. The length of daylight in this region is 12 hours and 7 minutes, with day and night being nearly equal across most parts of the world.
This phenomenon occurs due to the Earth’s 23.5-degree axial tilt relative to its orbit around the sun, which causes seasonal variations throughout the year. Following the vernal equinox, daylight hours gradually increase, reaching their peak during the summer solstice. Beyond its astronomical significance, this event greatly influences daily life. Spring is traditionally a season of warming temperatures, providing optimal conditions for planting and crop growth.
The vernal equinox is one of four key astronomical events that define the seasons, alongside the summer solstice, autumnal equinox, and winter solstice. On this day, the sun rises precisely in the east and sets directly in the west, aiding in accurate navigation. This event also holds particular significance at the poles, marking the start of six months of daylight at the North Pole and six months of darkness at the South Pole.