Every year, as the heat of the cruel heat starts decreasing, the eyes in the Arabian peninsula turn to the sky in anticipation of a celestial signal: Suhail. This year, as the temperature rises to 50 ° C, the rise of the star is even more urgently awaited. Known as α Carinae in Western astronomy, Suhail has guided the Arab calendar, agriculture and folklore for centuries. Its annual presence marks seasonal changes in the cooler nights, stirring cultural, environmental and poetic associations during generations.
What is Suhail?
Suhail is the Arabic name for star canopes, scientifically named as α Carina. It is located about 310 light-year from the Earth and is part of the Carina Nakshatra in the southern sky. The canopus is the second most bright star in the night sky, with more than 10,000 times of the Sun and about eight times more than eight times more, only crossed by serous.It appears luxurious, yellow-white before the huge dawn, usually 30 to 50 minutes before sunrise, growing less on the southeastern horizon. For optimal visibility, observers are advised to find a dark, high area away from artificial light, especially in the southern half of the Arabian Peninsula.Suhail’s talent is not only astronomical but deeply cultural. Historically, it acts as a navigational assistance, especially for Arabs sailors and desert travelers, earning it an astronomical compass and seasonal clock position.
When and where Suhail to see
Suhail’s presence is seasonal and gradual, moving from south to north in the Arabian Peninsula:7 August: A southern region of Saudi Arabia, first appeared in Jajan.24 August: Reaches the central parts of Saudi Arabia.8 September: It appears in the northern regions of the state.This time may be slightly different on the basis of geographical location, but widely recognized as a major date for the emergence of Suhail in the peninsula of Arabs on 24 August.The Suhail season extends for 52 days, marks an infection period where the day remains warm, but the night temperature begins to cool down. By the end of the season, usually align with the autumn equinox on 23 September, even day heat becomes more managed, the temperature as the temperature stabilizing about 30 ° C in many areas, especially as a rainy season approach.
Suhail’s cultural and environmental importance
For Arabs, Suhail has long been served as a seasonal milestone. Its presence is higher than just one change in climate, indicating changes in daily life, agriculture and social rhythm.Agriculture and Livelihood: Suhail camel grazes, date harvesting and palm trees indicate the time of starting pollination, usually 70 to 80 days after its appearance. Fishermen, pearl divers and farmers have traditionally synchronized their activities with the rise of Star.Astronomical importance: Arab astronomers historically used Suhail to track other stars and as a reference point in the night sky. Its importance is just beyond utility, it became part of their classification and naming systems for astronomical bodies.Cultural symbolism: Suhail has inspired Arabic poetry and countless lines of proverbs, often associated with the promise of relief, abundance and change.Guidance: Star was a reliable navigation tool for early Arabs, especially sailors and travelers, guiding traveling in land and sea.
Suhail in poetry and proverb
Suhail Arabs hold a deep place in cultural heritage, which is observed for both its visual beauty and symbolic resonance. It is a frequent subject in Bedouin’s words, folk knowledge and classical Arabic poetry.In poetry:Classical poet Abu al-al-Mari once wrote:“Suhail is like a cheek of love in color … and lovers of lovers in polypons,”Reflecting the change in the vivid color of the star- red, yellow and green, and its emotional symbolism.In Proverbs:“If Suhail appears, don’t be afraid of floods”This suggests that the presence of a star may occur before seasonal rainfall and potential floods, which may urge awareness about natural changes.“If Suhail rises, the night will be pleasant”How Suhail marks the cooler, a reflection of more comfortable nights after suppressive summer.“When Suhail wakes up, you can feel the dates at night”A seasonal marker for the ripening of dates, is important for both nutrition and trade in the region.
