Jeddah: Residents of the Arabian Peninsula are awaiting the appearance of the Suhail star low over the southern horizon at dawn tomorrow in one of the most well-known celestial signs associated with seasonal change in the region.

According to Saudi Press Agency, Head of the Jeddah Astronomy Society Majed Abu Zahra stated that with Suhail rising shortly before sunrise, a transitional phase begins during which the peak of summer heat gradually recedes, and nighttime temperatures begin to moderate little by little, while the angle at which the Sun's rays fall changes as Earth approaches the autumnal equinox.

He added that Suhail, internationally known as Canopus, is the second-brightest star in the night sky after Sirius. It is about 310 light-years from Earth. Suhail has held a special place among Arabs since ancient times, as its appearance was a seasonal indicator used by people of the Arabian Peninsula to mark the beginning of a new period of the year. In popular tradition, it has been associated with a decline in heat intensity and changes in weather conditions. Abu Zahra noted that the appearance of Suhail does not, by itself, cause changes in the weather, as the star is extremely distant and has no climatic effect on Earth. Rather, its appearance coincides with the natural annual changes resulting from Earth's movement around the Sun and the tilt of its axis.