Latest news with #Al-AjariScientificCenter


Arab Times
5 days ago
- Climate
- Arab Times
Summer nears its end as the 'Kalebeen' season arrives on August 11: Al-Ajari Center
KUWAIT CITY, Aug 7: The Al-Ajari Scientific Center has announced that summer is entering its final phase with the onset of the "Kalebeen" season starting August 11. This period, lasting 13 days, marks the last stretch of extreme heat before cooler weather begins. According to a press release from the center, the "Kalebeen" season represents the transition between the peak of summer's high temperatures and the approach of the star Suhail, which signals a shift in weather patterns. Despite the intense heat, humidity levels rise during this time, contributing to a gradual decline in temperatures. The center highlighted that during "Kalebeen," the usual strong southerly and southeasterly winds, known locally as "Al-Sumum" or 'the poisons,' tend to calm down, allowing the earth's interior to cool. As the season concludes, the weather becomes more moderate and daytime temperatures begin to fall. Astronomically, 'Kalebeen' refers to two stars located at the end of the Canis Major constellation. The season is also marked by a noticeable increase in nighttime hours at the expense of daylight.


Arab Times
03-08-2025
- Science
- Arab Times
Kuwaiti skies set for a month of stunning astronomical displays
KUWAIT CITY, Aug 3: The Al-Ajari Scientific Center has announced that August will bring a series of notable astronomical events visible in Kuwait's skies. Starting on August 6, observers can witness the conjunction of the planets Saturn and Neptune. According to a statement issued by the center on Sunday, Saturn will pass just 1.08 degrees south of Neptune, with both planets sharing the same ascendant. These celestial bodies will be visible either in the morning or evening when they reach an altitude of 21 degrees above the eastern horizon. The center also highlighted the August moon, known as the 'Sturgeon Moon,' which will occur on the ninth day of the month. This name derives from the sturgeon fish's abundance in the Great Lakes during this period. Another significant event will take place on August 12, when the bright planets Venus and Jupiter will appear in conjunction, separated by less than one degree. On the same day, the Perseid meteor shower will begin and continue through August 13. While the Perseids are among the most active and brightest meteor showers of the year, the presence of a bright gibbous moon is expected to reduce the number of meteors visible to the naked eye. Mercury will reach its longest western elongation on August 19, making it the best time to observe the planet as it appears farthest from the sun in the morning sky. On August 21, Mercury will be seen in conjunction with the thin waning crescent moon in the early morning sky. Shortly after, the new moon will occur on August 23, a time when the sun and moon align with Earth positioned on the opposite side of the moon. Towards the end of the month, on August 26, the moon and Mars will approach within 27.2 degrees of each other, with the moon at three days old. The center noted, however, that this conjunction may be difficult to observe in Kuwait City if the pair does not rise higher than 14 degrees above the horizon. These events promise to make August an exciting month for astronomy enthusiasts across the country.


Arab Times
29-06-2025
- Climate
- Arab Times
Scorching Summer Season Begins From July 3 In Kuwait
KUWAIT CITY, June 29: The Al-Ajari Scientific Center has announced that the Twaiba season will end on July 3, marking the beginning of the First Gemini season, which will last for 13 days. This period is expected to bring a significant rise in temperatures. The Center noted that the First Gemini season is considered the hottest part of the year, particularly during the daytime. It extends until July 15, during which the sun begins its shift southward toward the equator. In addition to soaring temperatures, the season is marked by intense dryness and the blowing of hot winds, which amplify the sun's already scorching heat. This period is also referred to as "Al-Haq'ah" in the solar and lunar calendars. The Center highlighted that during this season, the sun reaches its peak intensity, with noticeable changes in its movement, tilt, and the return of shadows, especially after being directly overhead during the summer solstice. This seasonal transition signals the sun's retreat from its northernmost point, marking the return of longer nights and a shift often referred to as 'the turning away,' which is closely associated with the onset of extreme summer heat.


Arab Times
04-06-2025
- Climate
- Arab Times
Kuwait to witness several celestial events this June
KUWAIT CITY, June 4: The Al-Ajari Scientific Center announced on Wednesday that June will feature a variety of notable astronomical phenomena visible in the Kuwaiti sky. On June 7, the moon will reach the farthest point in its orbit around Earth, a phenomenon known as the 'Moon at Apogee.' During this event, the moon will appear slightly smaller than usual. The center also highlighted the full moon on June 11, popularly called the 'Strawberry Moon,' named after the strawberries that ripen during this time in the northern hemisphere. A close conjunction between the moon and Saturn is expected on June 19, when the two will be approximately 23 degrees apart. At that time, the moon will be 23 days old. June 21 marks the summer solstice—the longest day of the year—when the sun reaches its highest point in the sky. This day also signals the official start of summer in the northern hemisphere. Additionally, Jupiter will be in conjunction with the sun on June 24, passing close to the sun as it moves around the far side of the solar system. Following this, on June 26, a new moon will appear coinciding with the moon's 'perigee,' its closest point to Earth in its orbit, at a distance of approximately 1.01140 astronomical units from the sun. Finally, on June 30, the moon and Mars will share the same ascendant. The moon will pass 12 degrees north of Mars and will be five days old. The Al-Ajari Scientific Center encourages skywatchers to observe these remarkable celestial events throughout the month.


Arab Times
24-05-2025
- Climate
- Arab Times
Scorching Summer In Kuwait To Begin June 7
KUWAIT CITY, May 24: The Al-Ajari Scientific Center has announced that the Al-Batin season will begin tomorrow, Sunday. This marks the final phase of the Al-Kanna season and will last for 13 days. It is distinguished by shorter shadows on certain days, as the sun's rays fall almost directly overhead. In a press release, the center explained that the appearance of the Al-Batin star is typically accompanied by strong northwesterly winds. These winds, along with rising temperatures from sunrise to sunset, often lead to the spread of dust and sand in the air. During this period, daylight will extend beyond 13 hours and 47 minutes, with sunset occurring at 6:38 PM, resulting in shorter nights. The center also noted that following the end of Al-Batin, the Thuraya (Pleiades) season will begin on June 7, 2025, signaling the true start of summer. The coming two weeks will be marked by dry conditions and a steady rise in temperatures. It added that during the Pleiades period, temperatures are expected to climb significantly, reaching high levels in several parts of the country and across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region.