Summer's Twilight Announced by Suhail Star
In the heart of the Arabian Peninsula, the people of Kuwait have long looked to the skies for signs of change in the weather. One such celestial event that holds significant importance is the sighting of Suhail, the brightest star in the southern constellation of Alpha Carina and the second brightest star in the sky after Sirius.
For years, Kuwait has been experiencing intense, heavy rain within a short period, a trend that is expected to continue. The arrival of Suhail, around the 5th of September, might bring a welcomed relief, as its appearance is traditionally associated with a change in weather.
The news of Suhail's sighting in old Kuwait was often brought by a camel courier from Najd. The sighting was eagerly awaited, with men getting up hours before dawn to catch a glimpse of this celestial spectacle. The appearance of Suhail marked the start of the movement of low pressure from the Mediterranean, officially the start of autumn.
An old Kuwaiti saying, "Idha shahar al Suhail, talammas al tamar bil lail" translates to "When Canopus first sparkles, the dates may be picked by night." This saying reflects the belief that Suhail's appearance signals the transition from the hot summer to cooler autumn weather in the region.
In modern Kuwait, residents may notice that the water coming out of their taps and in their swimming pools is perceptively cooler after Suhail has appeared. However, it's important to note that Suhail, being 310 light years distant from Earth, has no direct effect on temperatures.
Despite this, the meteorologist predicts this winter's rainfall will be moderate, with a chance for unexpected weather systems. Due to the long-term warming trend, temperatures are expected to remain above average until mid-November.
The sighting of Suhail in 2022 in Kuwait was a topic of conversation among the older generation, and news of its sighting was rushed into the community and spread among them. After the sighting, the days became shorter, a subtle improvement in the weather condition that the people of Kuwait have come to associate with this celestial event.
As the star Canopus, known as 'Suhail' in Arabic, makes its anticipated appearance around 3 a.m. at Jahra and Subaihiyah, the people of Kuwait will once again look to the skies, seeking a sign of the change in weather that has been a part of their culture for generations.
