Al Ain, UAE – August 26, 2024 – The Suhail star made its long-anticipated appearance in the UAE skies at 5:20 a.m. today, as observed from Al Ain. The celestial event was captured in a stunning photograph by Tamim Al-Tamimi, a member of the Emirates Astronomy Society, and shared by Storm Centre on X.
The Suhail star, a prominent feature in Arab astronomical tradition, is known for its association with seasonal changes. An old Arab saying, “If Suhail rises, the night cools down,” reflects the significance of this celestial event. While the temperature won’t drop immediately, its appearance signifies the gradual onset of cooler nights and the first signs of a weather shift.
Ibrahim Al Jarwan, Chairman of the Emirates Astronomical Society, confirmed that Suhail will be visible at dawn starting from August 24. This marks the beginning of a transitional period in the climate, which has been eagerly anticipated by many across the region.
The rise of Suhail is pivotal in the Arab ‘Durur’ calendar, which divides the year into phases of 100 days each. This calendar is deeply embedded in Arab culture and helps track the progression of the seasons. According to tradition, the appearance of Suhail signifies the commencement of a three-phase seasonal transition:
- Sufriya – Following Suhail’s rise, the weather will enter a transitional phase known as ‘Sufriya,’ which lasts for about 40 days. During this period, there will be a gradual shift from intense summer heat to cooler temperatures, marking a slow but steady change in the weather.
- Wasm – By mid-October, the ‘Wasm’ phase will begin, during which the weather is expected to stabilize further. This phase represents a more consistent pattern of cooler temperatures as the transition from summer progresses.
- Winter – Approximately 100 days after Suhail’s rise, the winter season will commence. This is when the cooler, more stable weather conditions characteristic of winter in the region will set in.
The Suhail star, also known as the ‘Star of Yemen,’ holds a special place in Arab tradition and astronomy. Its rise is not only an astronomical event but also a cultural marker that guides the seasonal expectations of many in the Arab world.
This year’s sighting of Suhail continues a centuries-old tradition and provides an important signal for the changing seasons. As the nights begin to cool and the weather transitions, residents of the UAE can look forward to the gradual shift towards more moderate temperatures and the arrival of the cooler months.
As the UAE experiences these gradual changes, the appearance of Suhail serves as a reminder of the deep connection between astronomy and traditional weather forecasting in the region.