المملكة: A rare phenomenon.. Jeddah Astronomy: “Moon Al-Dana” decorates the sky of the Kingdom on Sunday

The head of the Astronomical Society in Jeddah, Engineer Majid Abu Zahra, revealed that the skies of the Arab world will witness the completion of The moonis full for the month of Dhu al-Hijjah, in a distinctive astronomical phenomenon known as «Blue Moon”, given that it is the second full moon during the month of May according to the Gregorian calendar.

Abu Zahra explained that the moon will rise immediately after sunset, and will remain visible throughout the night until it sets with the sunrise of the next day, noting that the term “blue moon” is not an accurate scientific description in modern astronomy, but rather a calendar term used to indicate the occurrence of an additional full moon within a certain period of time, and its use spread globally during the twentieth century to indicate the second full moon in the Gregorian month. The one.

He pointed out that the association chose locally to name this phenomenon “Dana Moon,” inspired by the famous “Dana” pearl in the Gulf diving heritage, which represented a symbol of rarity and high value. He pointed out that this naming comes within the framework of linking astronomical phenomena with the Saudi and Gulf cultural heritage, in a way that strengthens society’s connection with the sky and its natural phenomena.

A rare appearance

He explained that the blue moon is considered a blue moon. It is an infrequent phenomenon, as it appears approximately once every two to three years, which gives it an exceptional character similar to a rare jewel in the calendar of the months.

He added that the full moon phase occurs astronomically when the moon is in opposition to the sun in relation to the Earth, so that the side facing the Earth is completely illuminated. He explained that the exact moment of fullness will occur at 11:45 am Mecca time, but the moon will appear as a full moon, fully round, to the naked eye throughout that period. Tonight.

Abu Zahra pointed out that the moon may appear larger when it appears near the southeastern horizon, a phenomenon known as the “moon illusion,” which is an optical illusion that has nothing to do with the true size of the moon. It may also appear in an orange or red color due to its light passing through denser layers of the atmosphere, which leads to the dispersion of blue light and the red wavelengths remaining.

He explained that the moon will gradually rise during the evening hours to reach its highest point. It is near midnight, before it begins to descend towards the western horizon with the approach of dawn, indicating that the height of the moon in the sky varies from month to month depending on its location in the zodiac and its inclination north or south relative to the apparent path of the sun.

A suitable opportunity for astronomical observation

He stressed that this night is a suitable opportunity for photography and astronomical observation enthusiasts, as some prominent lunar craters such as the “Tycho” crater can be seen in the southern half of the moon, despite the fact that the vertical illumination is during the The full moon reduces the clarity of the fine terrain compared to the crescent or square phases.

He pointed out that the moon will be delayed in rising during the following nights at a rate of approximately 50 minutes per day as a result of its orbital movement around the Earth, until it reaches the final square phase about a week after the full moon.

Abu Zahra concluded his speech by emphasizing that the “Dana Moon” represents one of the rare celestial sights that combine astronomical accuracy and visual beauty, explaining that the moon’s movement and cycle are regular. The continuous presence remains a reminder of the greatness of the universe and the precision of its order, despite the phenomena that the sky brings from time to time that are worthy of contemplation and monitoring.

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