UAE weather: Season marking begining of intense heat to start within days
The season marking the onset of intense heat in the UAE and the Arabian Peninsula will start on April 29 and continue until June 7, according to the Emirates Astronomy Society.
During this time, which is called the "Kanna of Thuraya" season, the Pleiades (Thuraya) cluster becomes hidden below sunset behind the redness of the setting sun on the western horizon by the end of April and remains obscured within the sun's glare for about 40 days.
Based on celestial calculations, Thuraya disappears at the end of April and reappears at the beginning of June.
The Kanna season marks an important phase for Arabs in the Arabian Peninsula as it is the beginning of intense heat. It signifies a transitional stage between the start of summer and the peak of its heat, said Ibrahim Al-Jarwan, Chairman of the Emirates Astronomy Society and member of the Arab Union for Astronomy and Space Sciences.
Temperatures during this season, which has been recognised through centuries of observation, regularly exceed 38°C, accompanied by low humidity, frequent dry northwesterly winds known as "Al-Bawareh," and rising dust storms.
The Pleiades cluster remains one of the most celebrated astronomical features across ancient civilizations, appearing as a tight grouping of stars and referred to as the "Seven Sisters" by the Greeks and "Subaru" by the Japanese.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Al Etihad
11 hours ago
- Al Etihad
Celestial spectacles to light up UAE sky this summer; here's a guide
2 June 2025 00:24 SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI) For those who love stargazing and just soaking up grandeur of the cosmos, this summer promises a visual feast, with celestial spectacles set to light up the sky from June through early September, experts told Aletihad . Astronomy is more than a scientific pursuit — it is a cultural, personal experience, the team at Al Sadeem Observatory said in an interview with Aletihad . 'Staying engaged with astronomy during the UAE summer is important because it offers a chance to witness spectacular celestial events, including the core of the Milky Way Galaxy, which is visible only during these months,' they said. The astronomical calendar may be packed this season, but the experts said stargazers must be wary of some weather factors that could affect visibility. 'High temperatures often lead to increased humidity and atmospheric turbulence, which can blur or distort the view of celestial objects. In regions like the UAE, dust and haze from desert winds are common in summer and can scatter light, reducing contrast in the night sky.'Clear, dry nights are still possible, they noted; hence, 'planning observations after windy or humid days should be done carefully.'Here are the major upcoming astronomical events to watch for: JuneThis month features two Moon-Mars conjunctions (June 1 and 30), a full moon on the 11th, and the June Solstice on the 21st. On June 22-23, stargazers will be able to catch a pre-dawn conjunction of the crescent moon, Venus and Pleiades. On June 25, the new moon will be perfect for Milky Way watching; and then, the Bootid meteor shower arrives on the 27th. July A full moon will be visible on July 11, and the moon links with Saturn on the 16th. A pre-dawn trio — Moon, Venus, and Jupiter — will light up the sky on July 21–22. Meteor showers will peak towards the end of July: Pisces (28–29) and Alpha Capricornids & Delta Aquarids (30–31).The new moon on the 24th will offer clear skies for deep-sky the impact of lunar phases on stargazing, the Al Sadeem Observatory team said: 'During full moon nights, the moon's brightness significantly illuminates the sky, making it difficult to observe faint celestial objects. In contrast, new moon nights offer the best conditions for stargazing.' AugustA full moon will be up on August 9, and from 12th to 25th, there will be a morning planet parade (Mercury through Neptune). The Perseid meteor shower will be at their peak from August 12 to k-Cygnids will be visible on the 18th, followed by a Venus-Jupiter-Moon alignment on the August 19–20.A new moon on August 23 signals an ideal night for stargazing. On the dawn of August 27–28, the Suhail star may be observable. September On September 7, a full lunar eclipse will be totally visible from the UAE. Stargazing Tips In the region, studying the stars is deeply rooted in tradition, the team at Al Sadeem Observatory said. 'People have long looked to the skies not just for science, but also for guidance and seasonal awareness.'Spotting the Suhail star, for example, has traditionally marked the end of summer and the beginning of cooler weather, the team said. When looking at the sky, it pays to remember that bright planets often look like stars, the experts said. 'Planets often appear in the night sky as bright dots and can be easily mistaken for stars. To distinguish them, sky map applications like Stellarium or Sky Map can be very helpful.'For the best skywatching experience, choose dark, open locations and allow your eyes time to adjust to the darkness, the experts said. They also highlighted the unpredictability of meteor showers, 'Meteor showers are spontaneous celestial events—while they peak on specific nights, the timing and brightness of individual meteors are unpredictable.' The sky is full of wonders, Al Sadeem Astronomy said. 'Everyone should have the chance to experience them at least once — both as humans and as passionate sky lovers.'
Sharjah 24
3 days ago
- Sharjah 24
Engineering Ingenuity Powers Sustainable Development at UOS
The exhibition brimmed with professional models, interactive displays, and polished presentations, all reflecting the students' commitment to addressing real-world challenges through sustainable design, advanced technology, and community-driven initiatives. This year's projects pushed the boundaries of innovation, offering fresh perspectives on sustainability, technology, and social responsibility. Many of the solutions were tailored to serve the needs of the local community, underscoring the college's dedication to producing graduates who are not only technically adept but also socially conscious. In architectural engineering, standout projects included 'Al-Hayyal,' an underwater architectural marvel in Fujairah that blends marine conservation with local heritage, and a children's center in Kalba developed in partnership with the Public Works Department. Other highlights ranged from the 'Gharas' Environmental Awareness Center to humanitarian initiatives such as advanced refugee camp designs for Kenya and sustainable community centers in Uganda. Civil and environmental engineering students presented a comparative study of traditional construction methods and 3D concrete printing for a two-story villa in the UAE, complete with detailed designs, cost estimates, timelines, and sustainability assessments. Other projects tackled the design of reinforced concrete structures resilient to gravity and lateral loads, the performance of aerogel-modified asphalt mixes for improved heat resistance, and innovative traffic solutions for major Sharjah intersections using advanced simulation models. The department also unveiled a geotechnical-structural design for a new astronomical observatory. Electrical engineering students showcased a 'chaotic mixing' system using DC motors to enhance industrial efficiency and energy savings, as well as a smart crop monitoring and protection system to advance agricultural sustainability. Their portfolio also included an AI-powered vertical farm, reflecting the growing intersection of technology and food security. The industrial engineering and engineering management department introduced practical applications such as digital twin-based educational tools, enhanced lathe processes using reinforcement learning, and a smart reservation system for electric vehicle parking. A sophisticated robotic system for parking enforcement, leveraging Industry 4.0 technologies, rounded out their contributions. Renewable and sustainable energy engineering students impressed with futuristic projects, including a solar-powered golf cart charging station integrated with hydrogen cells, advanced solar panel performance enhancements, atmospheric water harvesting technologies, and climate-resilient agricultural systems. Mechanical engineering students tackled water and energy challenges head-on, developing solar-powered atmospheric water generators, groundwater desalination plants for agriculture, and waste recycling systems that extract hydrogen for clean energy using algae-based carbon capture. Additional innovations included a novel device for measuring industrial metal wear, a solar-powered grass trimmer, and a system for eliminating bacteria in desalination plants using gas derived from seawater. Chancellor Prof. Hamid M.K. Al Naimiy expressed his pride in the students' achievements, praising their forward-thinking ideas and urging the practical implementation of these projects to support national strategies in sustainability, energy, infrastructure, and artificial intelligence. Prof. Abdel Wahab bin Mohammed, Dean of the College of Engineering, emphasized that these projects not only demonstrate technical and intellectual prowess but also embody the college's mission to foster innovation and serve society. Dr. Aref Maqsood, exhibition coordinator, echoed these sentiments, noting the students' seriousness and passion for engineering and highlighting the crucial role of artificial intelligence, interactive technologies, and industry partnerships in making the exhibition a true platform for innovation and community engagement.
TECHx
29-04-2025
- TECHx
UAE Students Win Rookie Award at NASA Rover Challenge 2025
Home » Smart Sectors » Education » UAE Students Win Rookie Award at NASA Rover Challenge 2025 Students from Deira International School (DIS) made history by winning the Rookie of the Year award at the NASA Human Exploration Rover Challenge 2025. This marks the first time a team from the UAE has received the honor. The international competition, hosted by NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center, challenges students to design, build, and race human-powered rovers on terrain that simulates planetary surfaces. It is part of the Artemis Student Challenges, which aim to inspire future scientists and engineers. The DIS team, aged 16 to 18, stood out among 76 teams from 16 countries. They were recognized for: Innovative rover design Strong problem-solving skills Effective teamwork and collaboration The award is given to the top-performing first-time team. It highlights excellence in design, execution, and team spirit. The team was guided by Mr. Dominic Bourn, Head of Physics at DIS. They were also supported by Al-Futtaim Automotive, which provided: Access to advanced tools and facilities Real-world engineering mentorship Industry-level project support Antoine Barthes, Vice President of Al-Futtaim Automotive, stated: 'This award reflects the mindset we want to nurture in future mobility innovators.' Kerry Ross, COO of Al Futtaim Education Foundation, added: 'Our students showed what can be achieved when education meets opportunity.' The DIS achievement aligns with the UAE's vision to grow its presence in global innovation and space exploration. It also supports national efforts to strengthen STEM education and inspire youth to pursue careers in science and engineering. Their success at the NASA Human Exploration Rover Challenge 2025 is a proud moment for the UAE and sets a benchmark for student-led innovation in the region.
