On the dawn of Monday, August 24, the star “Suhail” appeared on the southern horizon before sunrise. This is a prominent seasonal phenomenon known to the Arabs since ancient times, and it is associated with the changing seasons and the beginning of the decline of the summer heat.
In this context, weather and climate researcher Abdulaziz Al-Hussaini explained that the appearance of Suhail (Canopus) at dawn today marks the first phase known as "Al-Tarfa" (so named because it is located at the "edge" of the Lion's Eye), which lasts for 13 days and is the seventh and final phase of summer. During this period, the weather begins to gradually moderate in the late night hours, while the heat continues during the day.
Al-Hussaini added that the “Tarfa” period is suitable for planting palm seedlings and trees and planting a number of vegetables, and it coincides with the continuation of the migration of some birds and the beginning of the “Safari migration” (a bird that is distinguished by its bright golden yellow color and black wings).
The appearance of Suhail was not without presence in popular heritage, as he cited the saying of the common people: “If the date palm rises, the date palm is disliked, and the date palm is plentiful, and the cost becomes easy for the guest,” in reference to the improvement of the atmosphere at night and the availability of dates and milk, which reduces the burden of hospitality.
From an astronomical perspective, Al-Hussaini explained that Suhail is also known as "Suhail al-Yamani" because it indicates the south. It is the second brightest star after Sirius, and is known globally as Canopus. It is about 310 light-years from Earth and is located in the constellation Carina. It was also associated among the Arabs with the beginning of the "Tawali'" calendar, which consists of twenty-eight ascending stars.
Suhail is not visible from areas located at approximately 33 degrees north latitude, but it appears clearly from most of the Arabian Peninsula, and the possibility of seeing it increases as the observer heads south.
Al-Hussaini concluded by emphasizing that the Arabs of old used to eagerly await the appearance of Suhail, as it was an indication of seasonal changes and the beginning of a decrease in the intensity of the heat. He pointed out that the Suhail season is divided into four phases, during which temperatures witness gradual changes that reflect the end of summer and the beginning of the desired climatic moderation.
