Suhail star's August 26 appearance signals end of summer heat in Arabian Peninsula

Astronomy enthusiasts across the Arabian Peninsula are anticipating the appearance of the Suhail star on August 26. This celestial event is traditionally viewed as a sign that summer's intense heat is gradually subsiding, heralding the coming of autumn.

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Suhail’s astronomical rising in the skies over the Northern Borders Region begins on Aug. 26 each year, when it rises at around 5:51 a.m., approximately one minute before sunrise at 5:52 a.m.

Suhail, also known as Canopus, is the second brightest star in the night sky after Sirius and is located in the constellation Carina. According to astronomical observations, it rises in the Northern Borders Region of Saudi Arabia around 5:51 a.m. on August 26, just before sunrise. While not immediately visible to the naked eye due to dawn's light, it typically becomes observable in early September as it climbs higher in the southern horizon.

Historically, the appearance of Suhail has served as a vital marker for people in the region. Arabs used it to track seasonal transitions, including changes in weather patterns, decreasing daylight hours, and the onset of cooler nighttime temperatures. Its arrival was closely linked to agricultural cycles, grazing seasons, and travel periods, becoming an integral part of the Arabian Peninsula's rich astronomical and cultural heritage.

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Suhail usually becomes visible to the naked eye in the region during the first third of September, as it gradually rises earlier and climbs higher above the southern horizon before sunrise.

The Suhail season is traditionally divided into four 13-day periods: Al-Tarfah, Al-Jabhah, Al-Zubrah, and Al-Sarfah. The name Al-Sarfah itself is associated with the gradual easing of extreme heat. The star's appearance thus symbolizes a natural transition, blending scientific observation with deeply rooted popular heritage.

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Suhail’s appearance has historically served as an important seasonal marker for Arabs, who used it to track gradual changes in the weather, shorter daylight hours and the beginning of cooler nighttime temperatures.