Latest news with #JeddahAstronomicalSociety
Arab News
02-07-2025
- Science
- Arab News
Mysterious pink glow lights up northwest Saudi skies
JEDDAH: Residents in Saudi Arabia's northwest have been puzzled by the appearance of what some described as a 'bright pink circular spot' in the evening sky — with the phenomenon occurring twice in recent weeks. The latest incident on July 1 left locals searching for an explanation for the 'rare and unfamiliar scene,' Saudi Press Agency reported. Majed Abu Zahrah, head of the Jeddah Astronomical Society, told SPA that a similar occurrence was recorded on May 13. 'According to the captured images, the spot was clearly illuminated against the dark blue sky … with no accompanying sound or noticeable changes in shape before it began to gradually fade after a few minutes,' he said. While no official scientific confirmation has yet been issued, Abu Zahrah offered one possible explanation, saying: 'This phenomenon could result from vapors of barium, strontium, and ionized oxygen released at high altitudes to study the upper layers of the atmosphere (the ionosphere).' For science and astronomy enthusiasts around the Kingdom, he further speculated: 'In such experiments, the released vapors glow due to the reflection of residual sunlight after sunset at altitudes exceeding 100 km, forming luminous spots in pink, blue, or green, whose shapes are altered by upper atmospheric winds.' Abu Zahrah said that the spot also may have resulted from debris in the upper atmosphere, such as remnants of a rocket burn or satellite fragments, along with clouds of gases such as helium or hydrogen.
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.
Arab News
20-06-2025
- Science
- Arab News
Solstice ushers in start of summer 2025 on Saturday
RIYADH: The summer solstice, which marks the season's astronomical beginning, will take place on Saturday, June 21, according to the Jeddah Astronomical Society. The Kingdom will witness the solstice at 5.42 a.m. Makkah time, when the sun will be directly overhead above the Tropic of Cancer, latitude . The skies of the Kingdom and the rest of the Northern Hemisphere will witness the summer solstice Saturday at 5:42 am Makkah time. At this moment, the sun will be directly overhead above the Tropic of Cancer, latitude 23.5 degrees north. This year, the summer will last for 93 days. Majed Abu Zahra, head of the Jeddah Astronomical Society, said: '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 during the year, especially in areas north of the equator.' 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. In the Southern Hemisphere, the situation is reversed. Abu Zahra added: 'The summer solstice does not occur on the same day every year, but rather between June 20 and 22, 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 it was important to differentiate between the 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 — the day of the summer solstice. Abu Zahra said although this was the longest day of the year in terms of the number of hours of sunlight, it was not necessarily the hottest. This is because the oceans, land and atmosphere take time to absorb and store solar energy, and then release it again. This delay in the perception of heat is known as 'seasonal lag,' so temperatures typically peak in July or August. Ancient Greek scholars, led by Eratosthenes, used their observations on the summer solstice to calculate the Earth's circumference with amazing accuracy using simple geometric principles. After the summer solstice, the sun will appear to move southward again in the sky, and daylight hours will gradually decrease until the autumnal equinox on Sept. 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.
