Muscat: Skies of the Sultanate and the Arabian Peninsula are witnessing the appearance of the Suhail star, which is considered an indicator of the end of the intense heat and the beginning of moderate weather.
Although there is a discrepancy in the timing of its appearance between the north and south of the island, the generally accepted date for its appearance is August 24.
The Suhail Star is far away, 313 light years from Earth, according to the Oman Astronomical Society.
Speaking to the Observer, Salim Saif al Siyabi of the Oman Astronomical Society (OSA), confirmed that the appearance of this southern star marks the end of the summer.
The season of Suhail lasts 53 days.
Historically, Arabs have eagerly awaited the appearance of the Suhail star (called Canopus in English) as they consider it a sign of the end of the extreme heat and the arrival of moderate weather.
According to experts, the Suhail Star goes through four phases of 13 days each.
During the first phase, the weather becomes pleasant at night but remains hot during daytime.
In the second phase, the weather becomes cooler at night and moderate during daytime.
In the third phase, nights become colder, whereas the fourth phase marks the end of the hot days.
The rise of the Suhail Star coincides with a decrease in the angle at which the sun’s rays hit the Earth’s surface.
This gradually reduces daytime and makes nights cooler. The sun starts shifting southwards after being perpendicular during the peak of summer.
Observation Tips
A southern star is visible in the north only at short periods and low altitudes, depending on the latitude of the observer
A navigational guide used by the ancients on land and sea to determine directions, as it points towards the south
It occupies a prominent position in the sky as the brightest star of the night after Sirius
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