Summer solstice on June 21 marks start of khareef in Dhofar
Muscat – The summer solstice, which marks the official beginning of astronomical summer, will occur on Saturday, June 21, the Oman Space and Astronomical Society (OSAS) has confirmed. The event coincides with the onset of the much-anticipated Khareef (monsoon) season in the Dhofar governorate.
The solstice is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, when the sun reaches its highest point in the sky at noon. In Oman, it also signals the start of the annual khareef phenomenon that transforms Dhofar into a lush green landscape, attracting thousands of visitors from within the sultanate and across the region.
The Oman Space and Astronomical Society noted that on this day, the sun will be directly overhead at the Tropic of Cancer, ushering in intense summer heat in most parts of the country – while the southern region experiences cooling monsoon rains.
The khareef season, which typically lasts until September, is a vital period for tourism in Salalah and surrounding areas, known for their misty hills, flowing wadis, and mild weather. Authorities have already begun preparations to welcome an influx of tourists, with efforts focused on traffic management, accommodation readiness, and enhanced public services across Dhofar
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Times of Oman
19 hours ago
- Times of Oman
Oman to welcome summer solstice, Dhofar's Khareef season on Saturday
Muscat: The Sultanate of Oman will witness the summer solstice phenomenon next Saturday as the sun aligns directly over the Tropic of Cancer, marking the official astronomical start of summer in the Northern Hemisphere. This year's summer season will last approximately 93 days, 15 hours, and 37 minutes, according to astronomical calculations. Al Mukhtar Saif Al Saeedi, a member of Oman Astronomical Society, explained that this year's summer solstice will occur precisely at 6:42 AM Oman time on Saturday, 21 June. In Muscat Governorate, residents will experience the longest day of the year, with sunrise at 5:21 AM, the sun reaching its highest point at 12:09 PM, and sunset at 6:57 PM - resulting in a day length of 13 hours, 35 minutes, and 35 seconds. This phenomenon creates the longest daylight period and shortest night of the year across most Northern Hemisphere regions, including Europe, Asia, North America, and the Arctic Circle. The summer solstice represents a significant astronomical event where the Northern Hemisphere experiences its maximum tilt toward the sun, while simultaneously marking the winter solstice in the Southern Hemisphere. The summer solstice coincides with several notable natural phenomena in Oman. Astronomically, it signals the beginning of Dhofar's Khareef season (monsoon season) along the coastal regions from Dhalkut in the west to Mirbat in the east, when monsoon winds carry moisture-laden clouds from the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean.
Muscat Daily
20 hours ago
- Muscat Daily
Summer solstice on June 21 marks start of khareef in Dhofar
Muscat – The summer solstice, which marks the official beginning of astronomical summer, will occur on Saturday, June 21, the Oman Space and Astronomical Society (OSAS) has confirmed. The event coincides with the onset of the much-anticipated Khareef (monsoon) season in the Dhofar governorate. The solstice is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, when the sun reaches its highest point in the sky at noon. In Oman, it also signals the start of the annual khareef phenomenon that transforms Dhofar into a lush green landscape, attracting thousands of visitors from within the sultanate and across the region. The Oman Space and Astronomical Society noted that on this day, the sun will be directly overhead at the Tropic of Cancer, ushering in intense summer heat in most parts of the country – while the southern region experiences cooling monsoon rains. The khareef season, which typically lasts until September, is a vital period for tourism in Salalah and surrounding areas, known for their misty hills, flowing wadis, and mild weather. Authorities have already begun preparations to welcome an influx of tourists, with efforts focused on traffic management, accommodation readiness, and enhanced public services across Dhofar
Observer
18-05-2025
- Observer
Star Park in Jabel Shams to promote scientific tourism
The Environment Authority recently signed a contract to establish the Star Park project in Jebel Shams, Al Hamra, with the Omani Society for Astronomy and Space (OSAS), which includes a permanent astronomical and environmental camp for scientific tourism. Ali bin Amer Al Shaibani, a member of the Board of Directors of the Omani Society for Astronomy and Space, said: "This community-based astronomical environmental project is the first of its kind in the region. It is the culmination of years of efforts, including more than 15 field visits to the site, the preparation of technical and financial studies, and designs inspired by the Omani environment, in addition to the development of a long-term sustainability plan. He considered this step a national achievement in the context of promoting scientific tourism, supporting innovation in the fields of astronomy and the environment, and motivating young people to invest in knowledge and experience. He emphasized that Oman's mountainous environment deserves to be a platform for pioneering scientific and tourism experiences." The project is expected to host diverse programs and activities, becoming an international tourist and scientific destination, including awareness campaigns and programs, workshops, astronomical observation evenings, and scientific lectures, in addition to serving as a platform for showcasing the experiences of amateurs and specialists. The project's architectural design is in harmony with the environmental identity of the site. The exterior is inspired by the juniper tree, an endangered perennial Omani tree that grows high in the Western Hajar Mountains. The proposed project site is located within the Western Hajar Starlight Reserve in Jebel Shams, Al Dakhiliyah Governorate. This natural area boasts stunning views, a moderate climate in the summer and a cool climate in the winter, and a unique nighttime view of the Milky Way.
