The appearance of the Suhail star over the sky of Arabia is a significant event that marks the end of the extreme heat of peak summer season and the beginning of cooler conditions in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries. This star is visible with the naked eye in the southern half of the Arabian Peninsula on August 24 each year, signaling the start of the 52-day Suhail season. As the star moves towards the north of the Kingdom, temperatures gradually decline, making the weather more pleasant at night and comfortable during the day. The emergence of Suhail also coincides with a decline in the angle of the sun’s rays, leading to shorter days and cooler nights.
Arabs have long looked forward to the rise of the Suhail star as it signifies the end of summer and the start of cooler days in the desert. The star is highly anticipated in the Arab world as it is used to observe, monitor, classify, and name other stars, serving as a compass and calendar for the people. Stars play a crucial role in determining the timing of activities such as agriculture, hunting, grazing, and travel on land and sea. Typically, 70 to 80 days after Suhail appears, activities like camel grazing, studding, and palm pollination can begin. The star is prominently featured in Arab poetry, stories, and Bedouin sayings, highlighting its cultural importance.
According to weather experts, Suhail, also known as Canopus, is the second brightest star in the sky after Sirius. Its appearance has great significance for Middle Eastern people as it heralds the transition from summer to cooler temperatures. The giant, bright white yellowish star first appears before sunrise on August 24 and gradually progresses until it rises in the middle of the sky at midnight by the end of September. This period also marks a gradual decrease in temperatures leading up to the autumnal equinox on September 23.
The emergence of Suhail star not only signifies the end of summer but also brings hope for milder weather and the beginning of a new season. As temperatures become more comfortable, people in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries can look forward to enjoying cooler nights and more bearable daytime conditions. The significance of Suhail goes beyond its astronomical presence, serving as a cultural symbol that influences the daily lives and activities of Arabs, guiding them in their seasonal routines and agricultural practices.
Arabs have a deep-rooted connection to the stars, using them as a guide for various aspects of life such as timekeeping, navigation, and agricultural planning. The appearance of Suhail star is a reminder of the cyclical nature of seasons and the passage of time, prompting people to prepare for the changes that come with the transition from summer to autumn. This celestial event holds a special place in the hearts of Middle Eastern people, who cherish the cooler temperatures and pleasant weather that accompany the arrival of the Suhail season.
In conclusion, the emergence of the Suhail star in the sky of Arabia signifies the end of the scorching heat of summer and the onset of cooler days in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries. This event is eagerly awaited by Arabs as it heralds a shift in temperatures and marks the transition to a more comfortable climate. Suhail holds cultural and practical significance for the people of the region, guiding them in their daily life activities and agricultural practices. As the star’s appearance marks the beginning of a new season, it serves as a reminder of the cyclical nature of time and the changing of seasons, bringing hope for cooler days and milder weather ahead.
