Latest news with #AbuZahra
Leaders
06-07-2025
- Science
- Leaders
Earth to Experience Shortest Days in July, August 2025, Says Jeddah Astronomy Society
According to the Jeddah Astronomy Society, Earth is expected to experience some of its shortest days on record in July and August 2025, due to a slight increase in the planet's rotation speed. While this change is imperceptible in everyday life, it holds importance for technologies such as satellite navigation (GPS), communications systems, and astronomical observations. Eng. Majed Abu Zahra, President of the Society, highlighted predictions from the International Earth Rotation and Reference Systems Service (IERS), which indicate that three of the shortest days in modern history will occur on July 9 (1.30 milliseconds shorter), July 22 (1.38 milliseconds shorter), and August 5 (1.51 milliseconds shorter) in 2025. Earth typically completes one full rotation every 24 hours, or 86,400 seconds. Since 2020, atomic clocks—highly accurate timekeeping devices—have detected subtle reductions in day length. The shortest day recorded so far was June 29, 2022, which was 1.59 milliseconds shorter than the average. Abu Zahra explained that these measurements are made by comparing data from atomic clocks with various time standards, enabling scientists to monitor tiny fluctuations in Earth's rotational speed. Potential causes for the acceleration include shifts in Earth's liquid core, redistribution of mass due to melting polar ice, rising sea levels, major earthquakes, and gravitational interactions with the Moon. Related Topics : Jeddah Astronomy: Saturn's Opposition to Sun Today The last giant full moon of 2022 to appear in the sky today Saudi Arabia & Arab world witness a rare astronomical phenomenon Hajj 2025: Registration for Pilgrims Housing in Madinah Commences on Sunday Short link : Post Views: 24
Saudi Gazette
21-06-2025
- Science
- Saudi Gazette
Summer season begins astronomically on Saturday
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — The skies over Saudi Arabia and the rest of the Northern Hemisphere witnessed the summer solstice at 5:42 AM Makkah time on Saturday, June 21. At this moment, the sun came directly overhead above the Tropic of Cancer (latitude 23.5° N), marking the beginning of astronomical summer. This year, the astronomical summer will last 93 days, 15 hours, and 37 minutes. The Jeddah Astronomical Society President Eng. Majed Abu Zahra said that on this day, the sun rises from the far northeast and sets in the far northwest. At noon, the shadows of objects are the shortest of the year, and the sun's apparent path takes its highest arc northward, placing it at its highest altitude in the sky of the year, especially in areas north of the equator. Abu Zahra pointed out that it is important to differentiate between astronomical summer and climatic summer. Meteorologists consider summer to extend from June 1 to August 31, while in astronomy, summer begins when the sun reaches its maximum altitude, i.e., the day of the summer solstice. Although this day is the longest day of the year in terms of the number of hours of sunlight, it is not necessarily the hottest. This is because the oceans, land and atmosphere take time to absorb and store solar energy, then re-emit it. This delay in feeling the heat is known as the 'seasonal lag', and temperatures usually peak in July or August. Abu Zahra said that the summer solstice occurs when the sun reaches its apparent northernmost point in the sky. This coincides with the Earth reaching a position in its orbit where its axis is tilted at the maximum angle (23.5 degrees) toward the sun, causing the longest day and shortest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, while the situation is completely reversed in the Southern Hemisphere. "The summer solstice does not occur on the same day every year, but rather between June 20 and 22. This is due to the difference between the calendar year (365 days) and the tropical year (365.2422 days), along with the gravitational effects of the moon and planets, and the slight fluctuations in the Earth's rotation, which are compensated for by adding a leap day every four years," he said.
Gulf Insider
21-06-2025
- Science
- Gulf Insider
Summer Begins With Longest Day And Shortest Night Across Saudi Arabia
At precisely 5:42 a.m. local time on Saturday, June 21, 2025, the sun stood directly above the Tropic of Cancer, signaling the arrival of the summer solstice across Saudi Arabia and the rest of the Northern Hemisphere. Astronomers say this marks the beginning of summer in astronomical terms, a season that will last 93 days, 15 hours, and 37 minutes this year. On this day, the sun rises from its northernmost point on the horizon and sets at its furthest northwestern point. It also traces its highest arc across the sky, particularly noticeable in regions north of the equator, and casts the shortest noontime shadows of the year. Majid Abu Zahra, head of the Jeddah Astronomy Society, said that the solstice occurs when the Earth's axial tilt reaches its maximum angle of 23.5 degrees toward the sun. 'This causes the sun to appear at its most northerly point in the sky,' he said, 'resulting in the longest day and shortest night of the year for the Northern Hemisphere.' But while the solstice consistently occurs around June 21, the date can vary slightly, falling between June 20 and 22, due to the mismatch between the Gregorian calendar year (365 days) and the solar year (365.2422 days), as well as gravitational influences from the Moon and planets, and minor variations in Earth's rotation. These shifts are periodically corrected by the addition of leap days. Abu Zahra also highlighted the distinction between astronomical and meteorological summer. 'While meteorologists define summer as the period from June 1 to August 31, astronomers define it from the summer solstice onward,' he said. Interestingly, the solstice does not coincide with the hottest day of the year. Due to a phenomenon known as 'seasonal lag,' the land, oceans, and atmosphere take time to absorb and re-radiate solar energy, meaning peak temperatures typically occur in July or August. The summer solstice also holds historical significance. Abu Zahra noted that the ancient Greek scholar Eratosthenes famously used observations from the solstice to estimate the Earth's circumference with remarkable accuracy, relying solely on basic geometry and the difference in shadow lengths between two cities. Following Saturday's solstice, the sun will begin its apparent journey southward, gradually shortening daylight hours until the autumnal equinox on September 22.
Leaders
29-05-2025
- Science
- Leaders
Jeddah Stargazers Monitor Asteroid 2025 KX3's Close Earth Flyby
Scientists and space enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the imminent passage of asteroid 2025 KX3 near Earth. This celestial event, though posing no threat, has captured the attention of global monitoring centers. Eng. Majed Abu Zahra, the esteemed head of the Jeddah Astronomical Society, sheds light on this fascinating phenomenon. Asteroid 2025 KX3, first observed in May, belongs to the category of near-Earth objects, as confirmed by Eng. Abu Zahra. With a diameter of merely 10 meters, it pales in comparison to its larger counterparts. Consequently, this diminutive asteroid does not raise concerns among astronomers. Asteroid 2025 KX3's Rendezvous with Earth According to NASA's Center for Near-Earth Object Studies, asteroid 2025 KX3 will zoom past Earth at a distance of 340,000 kilometers. This distance, equivalent to 90% of the Earth-Moon separation, qualifies as a relatively close encounter. Traveling at a staggering speed of 45,000 kilometers per hour, the asteroid's velocity falls within the typical range for near-Earth objects. Eng. Abu Zahra emphasizes the significance of monitoring such events, as they provide invaluable insights into asteroid behavior. The asteroid's closest approach to Earth is expected to occur at 12:15 p.m. Makkah time. Each close encounter presents a unique opportunity to study asteroids' movements, orbital characteristics, and physical composition. The Jeddah Astronomical Society: Illuminating the Cosmos for All The Jeddah Astronomical Society, a specialized astronomy and space association, caters to diverse segments of society. Its primary objective is to foster astronomical awareness and knowledge among the public. The society actively monitors various astronomical phenomena and disseminates information through newsletters and simplified scientific translations. In conclusion, the passage of asteroid 2025 KX3 near Earth offers an exciting opportunity for scientific exploration and public engagement. As we eagerly await this celestial spectacle, let us appreciate the wonders of our universe and the tireless efforts of those who strive to unravel its mysteries. Short link : Post Views: 5
Saudi Gazette
29-05-2025
- Science
- Saudi Gazette
Jeddah Astronomy: Asteroid 2025 KX3 approaches Earth
Saudi Gazette report JEDDAH — Scientists and space enthusiasts are preparing to monitor the passage of the small asteroid 2025 KX3 near planet Earth. Although it will pass at a safe distance, this event is being closely monitored by global monitoring centers. Eng. Majed Abu Zahra, head of the Jeddah Astronomical Society, stated that the asteroid 2025 KX3, which was observed in May, is classified as a near-Earth object, and its diameter is estimated to be only about 10 meters, which makes it relatively small compared to larger asteroids that are not a cause for concern. He explained that according to data from NASA's Center for Near-Earth Object Studies, the asteroid will pass at a distance of 340,000 kilometers, or approximately 90% of the distance between the Earth and the Moon, which is a relatively close distance, and will move at a speed of up to 45,000 kilometers per hour, which is within the usual range for near-Earth objects that pass at relatively close distances. Abu Zahra noted that the asteroid is expected to reach its closest point to Earth at 12:15 p.m. Makkah time, considering that monitoring such events is of great importance to scientists, as every approach of this type represents a golden opportunity to study the movement of asteroids, the characteristics of their orbits, and their physical composition. The Jeddah Astronomical Society is a specialized astronomy and space association that addresses all segments of society. It aims to spread astronomical scientific awareness among members of society, monitor various astronomical phenomena, issue a newsletter on various astronomical events, and translate astronomical references from various sources and present them in simplified scientific language.
