The star "Suhail" graces the skies over Jordan around this time every year, marking the onset of seasonal climatic transitions that have been remembered in local traditions for centuries. It has historically served as a reference point in agricultural cycles and desert life, as well as a key marker for astronomers over generations.
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Jordanians pay close attention to Suhail due to its cultural and traditional significance. One of the brightest stars in the sky, it typically appears in late summer and is linked to agricultural timings, such as the sowing and harvesting of certain crops, while also carrying symbolic meaning in folklore.
Farhan Al-Haqish, an astronomy expert from Jordanian deserts, told Petra that Suhail appears in late August across the Levant and holds special significance for desert communities, signaling the end of summer heat and the approaching rainy season. Its rise marks the start of the "Hareef" season, which precedes winter.
Suhail is associated with numerous popular sayings, such as “When Suhail rises, do not trust the flood,” reflecting the star’s guidance in agricultural planning. Farmers regard its appearance as a good omen for planting winter crops, as the cooler soil promotes germination, unlike the hot soil prior to Suhail’s rise.
Al-Haqish explained that the "Hareef" season lasts 52 days, during which farmers prepare the land for sowing. It is followed by the "Nawa" season, marking the start of the rainy period and lasting 75 days, divided into three phases: "Thurai," "Jawza," and "Shira." The latter, known in folklore as "Al-Marzam," signifies thunder and rain, paralleling the nurturing care of camels for their young, symbolizing blessings and prosperity.
He also noted that the appearance of the plant "Oud Al-Ruwa" often coincides with Suhail’s rise, serving as a natural indicator even if the star is not immediately visible. The recent detection of this plant, along with cooler nighttime temperatures, confirms the star’s seasonal arrival.
Dr. Ali Al-Ta’ani, Professor of Astrophysics and Space Science at Al-Balqa University, stated that Suhail is the second brightest star in the sky after Sirius, shining approximately 10,000 times more than the Sun. It has a mass about eight times that of the Sun and a diameter roughly 71 times larger, located 313 light-years away, meaning the light we see today began its journey centuries ago.
Currently, Suhail can be observed in Jordan from the southern horizon about 30 to 60 minutes before sunrise, typically in late summer or early autumn, coinciding with the natural cooling of temperatures in the Arabian Peninsula, parts of the Levant, and North Africa. Historically, its appearance signaled the moderation of daytime heat and cooler nights.
The star’s visibility lasts around 52 days, divided into four successive phases of roughly 13 days each:
Tarfah: Nights are cooler while days remain warm.
Jubna: Early autumn with mild days and cooler nights.
Zirah: Nights become significantly cold, cautioning against sleeping outdoors.
Sarfa: Marks the departure of summer heat.
Suhail currently can be seen in the southern sky before sunrise with a telescope, becoming clearly visible to the naked eye about a week after its initial rise.
Suhail remains both a cultural emblem in Jordanian heritage and a significant astronomical object, bridging the traditional wisdom of ancestors with contemporary scientific interest.
—(Petra)
