المملكة: Urgent: Jeddah Astronomy: The Moon’s conjunction with"The philtrum cluster" It adorns the Kingdom’s sky tonight
The President of the Astronomical Society in Jeddah, Engineer Majid Abu Zahra, confirmed that The sky of the Arab world will witness a remarkable astronomical event after midnight on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, represented by The conjunction of the Moon with the “Panthera” star cluster, one of the most beautiful and famous clusters in the constellation Cancer, indicating that this conjunction will form a unique celestial scene that can be easily followed with the naked eye or using binoculars from locations far from city lights.
The scene of the conjunction of the Moon with the Pagana cluster
Abu Zahira explained that the Moon will be close enough to the cluster. To appear together in the same field of view of the binoculars, giving Astronomy enthusiasts and those interested in the sky have a unique opportunity to witness this charming star cluster.
The Nethra cluster is located approximately 580 light-years from Earth, and includes more than 1,000 stars, including about 300 stars similar to the sun, with an age estimated at about 600 million years and a total mass ranging between 500 and 600 solar masses.
He added that recent studies have revealed the presence of planets orbiting at least two of the cluster’s stars, while the majority of its stars belong to the spectral categories G, K, and M, which makes it rich in sun-like and less hot stars.
The Protima Cluster
The President of the Astronomical Society explained that the Protima Cluster has been known since ancient times as a “bee hive” due to its shape resembling A swarm of flying bees, noting that it can be seen with the naked eye from dark areas, while city residents are advised to use binoculars or a small telescope to follow its fine details, especially in the hours before dawn when the moon and the cluster are in a high position on the eastern horizon.
Abu Zahra pointed out that the conjunction between the moon and the cluster is only apparent, as they are separated by a distance. enormous; The moon is about 1.3 light-seconds away from Earth, while the philtrum cluster is located at a distance of 580 light-years. However, the view from the Earth’s surface gives a stunning visual impression as if the moon is passing near this distant star cluster.
He added: “If we imagine that we are standing on a planet inside the philtrum cluster, we will see a dazzling sky in which thousands of stars shine. Stars similar to the sun, in a scene beyond imagination.”
Abu Zahira concluded his speech by emphasizing that this conjunction represents an ideal opportunity for astronomy lovers to explore the beauty of the sky and learn about the Pleiades cluster, which is slightly larger than the Pleiades cluster even though the latter is closer to Earth, pointing out that these astronomical phenomena contribute to spreading scientific awareness and enhancing the passion for astronomical observation among people. Audience.
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