A Rare astronomical phenomenon… ‘Scorpius Heart’ to eclipse behind the moon
Astronomers are preparing to observe a rare phenomenon known as an eclipse on Wednesday when the moon temporarily moves in front of the star Antares, the heart of Scorpius.
This phenomenon will occur in various regions, including Saudi Arabia, the Gulf Arab states, Yemen, Jordan, Iraq, Syria, Somalia, and Djibouti.
Majid Abu Zahra, the president of the Jeddah Astronomical Association, described the eclipse as an astronomical phenomenon that happens when a celestial body, such as the moon, moves in front of another star and disappears behind it for observers. This phenomenon can only be seen from specific locations on the Earth due to the moon’s position in the sky relative to different observers.
The timing of the eclipse’s beginning varies depending on the geographic location, and the phenomenon should be observed with great caution since it occurs at sunrise or just before sunset. Abu Zahra explained that the eclipse will begin in some Saudi cities and neighboring regions, and the sun will remain visible. He emphasized that observers should avoid directing a telescope or binoculars towards the sun.
During the eclipse, the lunar crescent will be illuminated by about 15%, and the star Antares will disappear behind the dark side of the moon, only to reappear from behind the illuminated side.
Eclipses occur several times a year and are usually consecutive events for the same celestial body over several months due to the moon’s movement in the sky as it follows the same path monthly. This series of eclipses ends when the moon’s path across the sky changes.
