Latest news with #AbuZahra
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.
Iraqi News
13-03-2025
- Science
- Iraqi News
A total lunar eclipse will occur tomorrow, Friday
Follow-up - INA The Earth will witness a total lunar eclipse tomorrow, Friday. This is the first of two eclipses expected to occur this year. The Earth's curved shadow will be clearly visible on the surface of the moon during this rare astronomical phenomenon. Majed Abu Zahra, head of the Astronomical Society in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, confirmed that the total eclipse will be visible to the naked eye in several regions around the world, including parts of Antarctica, the western half of Africa, Western Europe, the Atlantic Ocean, the Americas, the Pacific Ocean, eastern Australia, northern Japan, and eastern Russia. However, residents of the Middle East will not be able to see it. Abu Zahra explained that the eclipse will occur in all its phases between 6:57 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Mecca time, and the moon will be three days away from reaching apogee, which will cause it to appear 5.2% smaller than average. During the partial eclipse phase, the Earth's arched shadow will appear on the lunar surface, a phenomenon historically used to demonstrate the sphericity of the Earth. He pointed out that the most exciting part of this phenomenon is the total eclipse, which will occur between 9:25 and 10:31 a.m. Mecca time. During this phase, the moon will appear coppery or reddish in color due to the reflection of sunlight through the Earth's atmosphere, a phenomenon that depends on the amount of dust and clouds in the atmosphere. He added that this eclipse is considered eccentric, as the moon will not pass through the center of the Earth's shadow, meaning the southern end of the moon will be closer to the center of the shadow than the northern end. As a result, the northern end of the moon will appear less dark than the southern end. The total eclipse phase lasts 65 minutes. Abu Zahra pointed out that the term "blood moon" is not a scientific term; it first appeared in 2013 and is used to refer to a total lunar eclipse. He pointed out that the lunar surface cools rapidly during a total eclipse, losing approximately 140 degrees Celsius in a few minutes. This rapid cooling will be monitored to extract data that will help understand the composition and geological characteristics of the lunar surface.
Zawya
18-02-2025
- Science
- Zawya
'Ramadan 1 likely to coincide with March 1, 2025'
JEDDAH — This year, the world is witnessing a moment of astronomical coincidence, as the first of Ramadan in the Hijri calendar coincides with March 1, 2025 in the Gregorian calendar astronomically, according to Eng. Majed Abu Zahra, president of the Jeddah Astronomical Society. He said that the Hijri calendar is based on the lunar cycle, as each month begins with the sighting of the crescent moon. The Hijri year consists of 354 or 355 days, which makes it about 10 to 12 days shorter than the Gregorian year. The Gregorian calendar is a solar calendar that depends on the earth's rotation on its axis around the sun, and its number of days is 365 or 366 in a leap year such as 2024, which affects its synchronization with the Hijri calendar. Abu Zahra pointed out that since the Hijri year is shorter than the Gregorian year, the Hijri months gradually recede in the Gregorian calendar by 10 to 12 days annually. As a result, the Hijri months pass through all the seasons of the year during a cycle of approximately 33 years. "The precise synchronization - as in the case of Ramadan 1, 1446 corresponding to March 1, 2025 - only occurs when the lunar and solar cycles are in harmony, and this alignment reflects the mathematical and astronomical precision in the movement of the moon and the earth. Such synchronization does not occur often, but it returns in a similar way approximately every 33 years, albeit in different months," he said while noting that this unique phenomenon in 2025 is an important reminder of the flexibility and change of time. "This also highlights the compatibility between the astronomical cycles on which all calendar systems are built," he added. © Copyright 2022 The Saudi Gazette. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Gulf Insider
18-02-2025
- Science
- Gulf Insider
'Ramadan 1 Likely To Coincide With March 1, 2025'
This year, the world is witnessing a moment of astronomical coincidence, as the first of Ramadan in the Hijri calendar coincides with March 1, 2025 in the Gregorian calendar astronomically, according to Eng. Majed Abu Zahra, president of the Jeddah Astronomical Society. He said that the Hijri calendar is based on the lunar cycle, as each month begins with the sighting of the crescent moon. The Hijri year consists of 354 or 355 days, which makes it about 10 to 12 days shorter than the Gregorian year. The Gregorian calendar is a solar calendar that depends on the earth's rotation on its axis around the sun, and its number of days is 365 or 366 in a leap year such as 2024, which affects its synchronization with the Hijri calendar. Abu Zahra pointed out that since the Hijri year is shorter than the Gregorian year, the Hijri months gradually recede in the Gregorian calendar by 10 to 12 days annually. As a result, the Hijri months pass through all the seasons of the year during a cycle of approximately 33 years. 'The precise synchronization – as in the case of Ramadan 1, 1446 corresponding to March 1, 2025 – only occurs when the lunar and solar cycles are in harmony, and this alignment reflects the mathematical and astronomical precision in the movement of the moon and the earth. Such synchronization does not occur often, but it returns in a similar way approximately every 33 years, albeit in different months,' he said while noting that this unique phenomenon in 2025 is an important reminder of the flexibility and change of time. 'This also highlights the compatibility between the astronomical cycles on which all calendar systems are built,' he added.
