Amman, Aug. 24 (Petra) — Astronomy and heritage enthusiasts in
Jordan are awaiting the appearance of Canopus, known in Arabic as
Suhail, one of the best-known stars in Arab tradition and
historically associated with the waning of peak summer and the
approach of autumn.

Jordanian Astronomical Society President Ammar Sakaji stated that
astronomical calculations indicate Canopus will rise at approximately
the same time as the sun in Jordan on August 28, making it impossible
to observe because of twilight glare. Viewing prospects will
gradually improve as the star begins rising earlier before dawn.

He explained that sensitive cameras and telescopes may be able to
detect the star during the first week of September, while naked-eye
visibility is expected to improve between approximately September 10
and 15, depending on sky clarity, horizon conditions, and the
observer’s location.

Sakaji noted that Canopus appears very low above Jordan’s southern
horizon, reaching an altitude of no more than about five degrees.
Observation therefore requires an unobstructed location away from
buildings, mountains, and light pollution, while the star becomes
visible earlier at locations farther south.

He pointed out that Canopus, the second-brightest star in the night
sky after Sirius, has long been associated in Arab heritage with
seasonal changes, travel, and agriculture.

Sakaji stressed, however, that the star’s appearance does not cause
temperatures to fall and is not a direct scientific indicator for
weather forecasting, which relies on data from meteorological
stations, radar, satellites, and numerical models.

//Petra// AO