Latest news with #EmiratesAstronomySociety
Filipino Times
3 days ago
- Science
- Filipino Times
UAE Enters Peak Summer Heat Phase with the Rise of Al Mirzam Star
The UAE is currently in one of the hottest periods of the year, known as Waghrat Al Mirzam, marking the final and most intense wave of summer heat across the Arabian Peninsula. This phase will continue until August 10 and is associated with the rise of the Al Mirzam star, also called Sirius or Al Shi'ra Al Yamaniya, according to Ibrahim Al Jarwan of the Emirates Astronomy Society. Also called 'Jamrat Al Qayz' or the 'coal of the summer,' this period brings extreme desert heat, followed by increasing humidity and more cloud activity over mountainous areas like the Hajar range. Historically, Waghrat Al Mirzam served as a seasonal signal for Bedouin communities, who used the star's rise as a cue to end migrations and prepare for harvest or grazing. An old saying goes, 'If Al Mirzam rises, gather your camels and prepare to depart.' Sirius is among the brightest stars visible to the naked eye and is part of the Canis Major constellation. It holds cultural and religious significance, even being mentioned in the Qur'an, and was worshipped by some ancient Arab tribes. With a surface temperature exceeding 24,000°C, Sirius is hotter and more luminous than the sun but lies 8.6 light-years from Earth. Though folklore connects the star's rise to extreme heat, scientists clarify that there is no proven link between Sirius's appearance and temperature increases. Waghrat Al Mirzam is one of several traditional summer phases, each lasting around 18 days. It comes after Waghrat Al Thurayya, Ayooq, and Assaya, and just before Waghrat Al Nujaymat (Suhail), which signals the beginning of cooler weather.
Gulf Insider
3 days ago
- Science
- Gulf Insider
UAE Enters Final Phase Of Peak Summer Heat: What To Expect Till August 10
The UAE is currently experiencing one of the most intense phases of the summer season—Waghrat Al Mirzam—marking the final wave of extreme heat across the Arabian Peninsula. According to Ibrahim Al Jarwan, Chairman of the Emirates Astronomy Society, this period lasts until August 10 and coincides with the rising of the Al Mirzam star, also known as Sirius or Al Shi'ra Al Yamaniya . Often referred to as 'Jamrat Al Qayz' or the 'coal of the summer,' this phase signifies the climax of desert heat. As Al Mirzam rises in the sky, temperatures soar, after which humid air masses begin advancing, and cloud activity increases over mountainous regions like the Hajar range. Waghrat Al Mirzam has long served as an astronomical and agricultural marker for Bedouin and desert-dwelling communities. Folk sayings passed through generations, such as 'If Al Mirzam rises, gather your camels and prepare to depart,' signalled the time to return from seasonal migrations for harvest or grazing. Astronomically, Al Mirzam (Sirius) is one of the brightest stars visible to the naked eye and belongs to the Canis Major constellation. Mentioned in the Qur'an and once worshipped by some pre-Islamic Arab tribes, Sirius boasts a surface temperature of over 24,000°C—making it far hotter and more luminous than the sun, although it lies 8.6 light-years from Earth. While traditional wisdom links Al Mirzam's rise to the onset of severe heat, astronomers stress that no scientific evidence confirms a direct correlation between the star's appearance and temperature spikes. Waghrat Al Mirzam is part of a traditional seasonal calendar, with each phase lasting approximately 18 days. It follows Waghrat Al Thurayya, Waghrat Ayooq, and Waghrat Al Assaya, and precedes Waghrat Al Nujaymat (Suhail)—which signals the approach of cooler weather ahead.
Khaleej Times
04-07-2025
- Climate
- Khaleej Times
UAE summer peak is here: Temperatures to cross 50°C; dry winds expected
The season of extreme summer heat in the Arabian Peninsula, known as Jamrat Al-Qaid, is here as the region braces for scorching temperatures, extremely hot conditions, dry winds and drought. Ibrahim Al Jarwan, Chairman of the Emirates Astronomy Society, said that the season kicked off at dawn on Thursday, July 3 with the appearance of the first Gemini star on the eastern horizon. This period is considered the second, hottest and driest phase of summer, lasting until August 10. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. What to expect? Jamrat Al-Qaid is usually marked by intense dryness and extremely hot and dry desert winds known as "samoom winds". Temperatures are expected to exceed 50°C during the day in some desert areas, accompanied by dry, scorching winds. Al Jarwan clarified that during this summer phase, ground surface temperatures can reach 65°C, and mirages and dust whirlwinds may form. He also explained that what he called heat surges continue in succession—these are intense heatwaves in which temperatures rise at least 3°C above average for a minimum of two days. These surges are also marked by extreme heat and dryness. On May 24—well before the peak of summer— temperatures in the UAE soared to a scorching 51.6°C at 1:45pm, marking the highest reading in the country so far this year, according to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM). The extreme heat was recorded in Sweihan, Al Ain. This extremely high temperature signalined an early start to the intense heat that typically grips the country in the summer.
Time of India
04-07-2025
- Climate
- Time of India
UAE enters peak summer phase as 'Jamrat Al Qayth' brings extreme heat until August 10
UAE enters Jamrat Al Qayth, the hottest summer phase, with desert temperatures soaring beyond 50°C and dry winds intensifying across the region/Representative Image The UAE has officially entered 'Jamrat Al Qayth', the hottest and driest phase of summer, with scorching temperatures, dry winds, and rising humidity expected to persist until August 10, according to leading astronomers. The season is marked by intensified heat waves and historically rooted weather phenomena, making it a period of heightened caution for residents. What is Jamrat Al Qayth ? Ibrahim Al Jarwan, Chairman of the Emirates Astronomy Society and a member of the Arab Union for Space and Astronomy Sciences, explains that Jamrat Al Qayth represents the peak of summer across the Arabian Peninsula. Temperatures may exceed 50°C in desert regions. Hot, dry winds known as 'Samoom' sweep across parts of the UAE. The period is associated with seasonal heat waves, which push temperatures at least 3°C above the norm for multiple days. Heat Wave Patterns and Historical Significance The current period follows the 'Gale of the Pleiades', which began on June 7 and ended on July 2. This traditional meteorological phase is linked with the rising of the Pleiades star cluster and its companion Aldebaran, a celestial marker in Arab weather forecasting. A new heat wave is already underway, expected to last through July 28. Another surge in temperatures is forecast between July 29 and August 10. These rotations align with long-established Arab climate observations and signal the intensification of summer in the Gulf region. Precautions Advised During Extreme Heat Authorities are urging the public to: Limit sun exposure during midday and afternoon hours Stay hydrated and avoid strenuous activity outdoors Use protective clothing, hats, and sunscreen Pay special attention to vulnerable groups, including the elderly, children, and outdoor workers
Time of India
01-07-2025
- Science
- Time of India
5,000 light-year-old nebula photographed in UAE: A first for Emirati astronomers
Crescent Nebula captured in stunning detail from UAE skies. (Tameem Al Tamimi / Emirates Astronomy Society) In a remarkable astronomical achievement, astrophotographers from the Emirates Astronomy Society (EAS) have captured breathtaking images of a distant nebula from the skies of the UAE. The phenomenon was spotted in the country's eastern mountainous regions, offering a rare and awe-inspiring view of the Crescent Nebula, an object located thousands of light-years away from Earth. What Was Seen: the Crescent Nebula The celestial object observed is the Crescent Nebula, scientifically designated as NGC 6888 and also known as Caldwell 27-Sharpless 105. This stunning emission nebula lies in the Cygnus constellation, roughly 5,000 light-years away from Earth. According to Tamim Al Tamimi, a member of the Emirates Astronomy Society and an astronomical photographer, the nebula was not only observed but also photographed in high resolution, providing a vivid glimpse into deep space from the UAE. How the Nebula Was Formed The nebula's origin is tied to a dramatic cosmic event involving a dying star. Ibrahim Al Jarwan, Chairman of the Emirates Astronomy Society, explained the formation process in a statement to WAM (Emirates News Agency). by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Memperdagangkan CFD Emas dengan salah satu spread terendah? IC Markets Mendaftar Undo He said the Crescent Nebula was created by strong stellar winds from a Wolf-Rayet star, known as WR 136, which clashed with material previously ejected by the same star during its red giant phase. The result is a massive glowing bubble of gas composed largely of ionized hydrogen and oxygen. 'This large gas bubble of ionized hydrogen and oxygen is formed and appears in fine detail when imaged using narrow-field techniques,' Al Jarwan noted. How the Image Was Captured The stunning images were the result of over 10 hours of observation, using specialized filters, H-alpha and O3, that help isolate specific wavelengths of light emitted by the nebula's chemical elements. The data was then processed using the HOO (H-alpha, OIII, OIII) scientific color mode to clearly reveal the chemical structures within the nebula. Capturing these detailed images required a combination of advanced equipment and careful planning. The setup included: Camera: Cooled ZWO ASI183MM Pro Telescope: Explore Scientific 152mm David H. Levy Comet Hunter Maksutov-Newtonian Mount: iOptron HAE43 Guidance System: ASIAir Plus Post-Processing Tools: PixInsight and Photoshop A Milestone for Emirati Astronomy The observation and photography of such a distant and intricate deep-sky object underscore the dedication and technical expertise of UAE's growing astronomy community. Al Jarwan emphasized that this achievement reflects the resilience of Emirati astrophotographers, who continue their work despite harsh environmental conditions. 'Night-time temperatures during the photographing period sometimes reach between 36 and 40 degrees Celsius in the mountainous or desert regions,' he said. This sighting not only showcases the beauty of space but also positions the UAE as an emerging center for serious astronomical observation and documentation, especially in regions not traditionally associated with deep-sky astrophotography.
