Angkor Equinox to Happen Next Week
Phnom Penh, September 15, 2023 --
Equinox, a natural phenomenon when the sun rises over the central tower of the Angkor Wat Temple in Siem Reap province, will happen on Sept. 21-23.

The information was shared by the Ministry of Tourism in a news release on Thursday, adding that this event is linked with the architecture of the great Angkor Wat in the Khmer history.

The equinox is the time when day and night are approximately equal in length, unlike some normal months, the night is longer than the day or the day is longer than the night that always happens in the world.

The equinox at Angkor Wat is not a coincidence, it is a feature of the Khmer ancestors who prepared the architecture of the temple in advance, with the intention of adjusting the natural phenomena for Angkor Wat to create an event of the sunrise at the top of temple.

According to Mornings.co.uk, a famous website of the United Kingdom, the Angkor Wat Temple of Cambodia was crowned No. 1 as the world’s best place to see the sunrise.

“Angkor Wat is one of the seven wonders of the ancient world and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Steeped in history and rich in culture, it is a must-visit attraction. Although views from this spot are inspiring at any time of the day, a sunrise here is not to be missed,” the website commented.

By Phal Sophanith
AKP

Autumn equinox over Angkor showcases ‘ancestors wisdom’
Bor Pich Zelin | Publication date 21 September 2023 | 22:00 ICT
The autumnal equinox will occur this year on September 23. The phenomenon, which signifies an equal duration of day and night due to the Earth’s position in its orbit around the sun, happens twice a year in September and March.

At these times, the sun rises directly over the central spire of Angkor Wat, according to the Ministry of Tourism.

“The event showcases the wonders of astronomy and the ancient architecture of the Khmer ancestors,” the ministry stated, emphasising the event’s significance.

However, concerns about visibility have arisen due to adverse weather conditions.

“Because of rain and clouds in Siem Reap province, the equinox has not been visible. We remain hopeful for clearer skies today or the 23rd,” said ministry secretary of state Top Sopheak.

Chhay Sivlin, president of the Cambodia Association of Travel Agents (CATA), confirmed on September 21 that they had informed tour operators and were prepared to accommodate visitors.

“The equinox gives us the chance to celebrate the marvels crafted by our Khmer ancestors. Such occasions create a unique and emotional experience for people,” Sivlin said.

Last March, a large number of travellers visited Angkor Wat to witness the spectacle. According to the Siem Reap tourism department, 8,726 individuals – 6,500 national and 2,226 foreign tourists – converged on the site at the time.
https://phnompenhpost.com/lifestyle/aut ... ors-wisdom