What is the Suhail Star? When and How to Watch It in Saudi Arabia: Everything you need to know

People across Saudi Arabia are now looking to the skies for the Suhail star. Its rise marks the beginning of cooler nights after the long summer heat. This star, also known as Canopus in Western astronomy, has been a guide for Arabs for centuries. It is the second-brightest star in the night sky, only after Sirius.

What is the Suhail Star?

Suhail is the Arabic name for Canopus, a giant star located around 310 light years from Earth. It shines about 10,000 times brighter than the sun. With its yellow-white glow, Suhail is a symbol of hope in Arabian culture. Bedouins, sailors, and farmers have used it for hundreds of years for travel, farming, and even poetry.

How and When to See Suhail in Saudi Arabia

Suhail becomes visible just before dawn. It rises low on the southeastern horizon about 30 to 50 minutes before sunrise. For best viewing, people should go to dark areas away from city lights.

The star appears in stages across the Kingdom:

• August 7: First visible in Jazan, southern Saudi Arabia.

• August 24: Seen clearly in central regions like Riyadh.

• September 8: Visible in northern areas of the Kingdom.

The Suhail season lasts 52 days. During this time, nights get cooler while daytime heat slowly decreases. By late September, temperatures drop further, and by October the rainy season begins.

Why Suhail is Important

The Suhail star is not just about weather. It has deep meaning in Arab life:

• Agriculture: Its rise marks the time for date harvesting, camel grazing, and palm tree pollination.

• Navigation: Arab sailors and desert travelers used it as a compass.

• Culture: It is celebrated in Arabic poetry, sayings, and proverbs.

• Astronomy: Early Arab scientists used Suhail to track and name other stars.

Suhail in Poetry and Sayings

Arabs often connect Suhail with beauty, hope, and change. A popular proverb says: “When Suhail rises, the night will be pleasant.” Another saying connects it to dates: “When Suhail rises, you can feel the dates at night.” These show how strongly nature and daily life are tied to this star.