Today's Edition
A.SREENIVASA REDDY (ALETIHAD)
The much awaited Suhail star has been sighted in the UAE skies in the early hours of August 24, Al Sadeem Astronomy said.
In a statement sent to Aletihad, the astronomical body said the sighting of the star, which is historically associated with the end of summer and the beginning of the cooler season, was sighted in Al Wathba desert where Al Sadeem Astronomy’s observatory is located.
The sighting of Suhail, which is known as Canopus across the world, holds deep cultural significance in the Arab world, where it has been revered for centuries. “Suhail’s appearance in the skies is particularly notable for its brevity in the Arabian sky, making each sighting a unique and cherished moment,” Al Sadeem Astronomy said.
Historically, Suhail has been associated with the onset of cooler weather, and its appearance has been commemorated in Arabic proverbs and poetry, Al Sadeem Astronomy said.
Suhail is located in the constellation known as Carina and is approximately 310 light-years away from Earth. According to Al Sadeem Astronomy, it is the second-brightest star in the night sky and shines with a luminosity that is 10,000 times greater than that of the Sun, while being about 70 times more massive.
According to experts, Suhail is visible on the skies for 52 days during which time days get shorter and nights become cooler. Though temperatures do not immediately come down, it historically signified the end of peak summer in the Arab world.
Al Sadeem Astronomy is a renowned astronomical observatory located in Abu Dhabi. It's a popular destination for astronomy enthusiasts and space lovers, offering a unique opportunity to explore the wonders of the universe.
