Doha, August 23 (QNA) - Qatar Calendar House announced that Suhail star will be visible in Qatar’s skies Sunday, the 1st of Rabi’ al-Awwal 1447 AH, corresponding to Aug. 24, marking the beginning of the Suhail season in Qatar and most of GCC states.

On this occasion, Executive Director of the Qatari Calendar House Eng. Faisal Al-Ansari said that the people in the Gulf region eagerly anticipate the appearance of the Suhail star because of its importance to them; its rising is seen as a sign of gradually moderating weather in the region.

This event signals the start of the Suhail season, which lasts 52 days, during which seasonal change begins, the hot desert winds (Al-Simoom) fade, and the intensity of heat gradually decreases, especially at night. Nights become longer, days shorter, with increased chances of rainfall.

He pointed out an old saying about Suhail: when Suhail rises, the nights get cooler and floods may occur. This reflects that the star’s appearance signals gradual changes in temperature and humidity, particularly at night.

Meanwhile, Dr. Bashir Marzouk, an astronomical expert at the Qatari Calendar House, confirmed that residents of Qatar will be able to see Suhail with the naked eye toward the southern horizon during the first week of September. It can be located with the help of the brightest nighttime star, Sirius (Al-Shi’ra al-Yamaniya).

He added that the annual rising of Suhail on Aug. 24 each year marks the start of the Suhail season and the Suhail year, which lasts 365 or 366 days. This calendar includes various sub-seasons such as al-Murabba’aniya, al-Wasmi, al-Safri, and al-Kinna.

The rising of Suhail has long been linked to many aspects of Arab life, past and present. Farmers prepare to plow and sow their fields upon its appearance to be ready for the rainy season. Desert dwellers relied on it to determine grazing seasons and travel times. Sailors used it and other stars to guide fishing schedules and navigation.

Astronomically, Suhail is the brightest star in the constellation Carina (the Keel of the Ship) and the second-brightest star in the night sky after Sirius. It lies about 300 light-years away from Earth. (QNA)