The conjunction of the Moon, Jupiter, and the star Al-Mabsuta adorns the skies of Saudi Arabia
The skies of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, specifically the Northern Borders region, witnessed a distinctive astronomical phenomenon at dawn on Friday, which attracted the attention of those interested and amateur astronomers, as the conjunction of the crescent moon of the tenth night of the blessed month of Ramadan with the planet Jupiter and the star “Al-Mabsouta” was observed, in a charming cosmic tableau that continued until the moon set.
Details of the astronomical phenomenon in the Kingdom's sky
Amidst clear skies that enhanced visibility, observers in the Northern Borders region were able to document this astronomical event. A conjunction occurs when two or more celestial bodies appear close together in the sky as viewed from Earth, despite the vast distances between them in space. This trio of the Moon, the giant planet Jupiter, and the star Al-Mabsuta added a special radiance to the nights of the holy month.
The star of Al-Mabsuta... a rich history in Arab astronomy
Adnan Khalifa, a member of the Astronomy and Space Club, explained important scientific details about the star Mebsuta, also known scientifically as Epsilon Geminorum. This star is one of the bright giant stars in the constellation Gemini. Its name originates from ancient Arab astronomical tradition, where the Arabs imagined the constellation Leo to extend across a wider area of the sky. This star represented the "outstretched arm" of the lion, in contrast to another star called "the clenched arm.".
Khalifa added that this star is distinguished by its remarkable brightness, making it visible to the naked eye under suitable weather conditions, away from the light pollution of cities. He noted the importance of differentiating between Al-Mabsuta and Sirius, which is considered the brightest star in the night sky, as the two stars differ in position and physical characteristics, although both formed an important part of ancient astronomical navigation.
The importance of astronomical observation and its cultural impact
Such phenomena acquire a special significance that transcends mere visual observation; they reconnect humanity with nature and the cosmos, reviving the ancient Arab tradition of observing the stars to determine seasons and directions. These events also present a golden opportunity for astrophotographers to capture rare images that combine terrestrial landmarks with celestial bodies.
Experts point out that the clear skies in the northern regions of the Kingdom make it an ideal destination for astronomical tourism, where planets and stars can be observed with exceptional clarity. Disseminating such news contributes to strengthening astronomical awareness within the community and encouraging younger generations to take an interest in space science and astronomy, in line with the growing interest in this sector in the region.
