ABHA: Asir witnessed the rising of the Suhail star on the southern horizon on Wednesday, an astronomical event traditionally linked to cooler weather, rainfall and the start of the agricultural season.
Researcher Abdullah Al Mousa said the Suhail season began on Wednesday and would last for 13 days, bringing rain and fog and marking an important period for farmers as seasonal fruits ripen and corn crops enter a key growth stage.
The cooler weather also generally leads to an increase in tourism in the region.
Al Mousa said the Arab association with Suhail was based on generations of observation and experience in tracking seasons and climate changes, rather than on beliefs about the star’s influence.
Suhail is the Arabic name for Canopus, the second-brightest star in the night sky after Sirius. According to astronomers, Canopus is actually more luminous than Sirius but because it is 300 light years further away from Earth it appears less so.
Since antiquity the star has guided farmers across the Arab world in preparing for agricultural activities. Sailors and travelers also relied on it for navigation and it has inspired Arab poetry and folklore.
