Distinct Astronomical Phenomena... in August

- Total solar eclipse not visible in Kuwait... visible along a path stretching from the North Pole to Spain

The Al-Jaber Scientific Center announced the most prominent astronomical phenomena and events occurring in August, including lunar conjunctions with several planets, meteor showers, and Mercury and Venus reaching their greatest elongations, in addition to a total solar eclipse and a partial lunar eclipse.

The Center clarified to "Al-Rai" that "on August 9, the Moon will conjunct Mars, passing 4.24 degrees north of Mars. The conjunction can be observed from Kuwait City after both bodies rise in the sky at approximately 1:30 a.m."

The Center noted that "August 12 marks the birth of the new moon for the month of Rabi' al-Awwal 1448 AH. The world will also witness a total solar eclipse on the same day, reaching its peak at around 6:36 p.m. Kuwait time."

It explained that "the total solar eclipse will not be visible in the State of Kuwait, as its path crosses the Arctic Ocean, Greenland, Iceland, and the northern Atlantic Ocean, reaching Spain. A partial eclipse will be visible in parts of Alaska, Canada, the northern United States, and western Africa."

It mentioned that "a total solar eclipse occurs when the Moon completely obscures the solar disk, revealing the solar corona (the crown) surrounding the Sun. This is a rare and distinctive astronomical phenomenon."

It added that "the sky over Kuwait will see the peak of the Perseid meteor showers on August 13. The activity of these showers began on July 17 and will be visible after 7:30 p.m., with their radiant point rising above the eastern horizon. On August 15, Venus reaches its greatest eastern elongation, appearing clearly in the western sky after sunset, as it is at its farthest point from the Sun in the evening sky."

"On August 16, the Moon will conjunct Venus, passing 2 degrees and 4 minutes south of Venus. The Moon will be four days old, and the phenomenon can be observed from Kuwait City at approximately 6:42 p.m."

The Center pointed out that "August 28 will be one of the most prominent astronomical dates to follow in Kuwait, with a partial lunar eclipse visible on Friday morning."

"The eclipse begins at 4:23 a.m. Kuwait time, while sunrise coincides at 5:23 a.m. as the eclipse continues, ending at around 5:28 a.m. The final part of the event will be close to the western horizon before the Moon sets."

The Center explained that "a partial lunar eclipse occurs when part of the Moon's disk enters Earth's shadow, causing that portion to appear clearly darkened, while the rest remains illuminated. It noted that the phenomenon will also be visible in large parts of Africa, Europe, and the Americas."

Known as the August full moon, which is complete on August 28, it is called the "Sturgeon Moon," a name given by Native American tribes in America in ancient times, referring to the abundance of sturgeon fish in lakes during this time of year.

The Al-Jaber Scientific Center concluded the month's events with the "conjunction of the Moon with Saturn on August 30 and 31, where the Moon will pass 7.2 degrees north of Saturn. It will be visible from Kuwait City in the evening sky, reaching its highest point at 2:04 a.m." It emphasized that "observing astronomical phenomena depends on clear skies and avoiding strong light sources, with observation times varying according to geographical location."