Jeddah Astronomy Society: September Marks Astronomical End of Summer

September marks the astronomical end of summer in the northern hemisphere, according to the Jeddah Astronomy Society, with daylight hours gradually shortening as the sun’s path across the sky declines. The announcement, made via the Saudi Press Agency, confirms that the autumnal equinox will occur on September 22 this year, a key milestone for skywatchers and astronomers worldwide.

Context and Background

Director of the Jeddah Astronomy Society, Eng. Majed Abu Zahra, explained that the first half of September will be ideal for skywatching due to the absence of moonlight, as the moon reaches its full phase on September 18. This period offers clear views of celestial objects, supported by Saudi Arabia’s commitment to promoting scientific awareness and astronomical education under Vision 2030.

Key Astronomical Events

Abu Zahra noted that the full moon in September, known as the Harvest Moon due to its proximity to the autumnal equinox, will be a supermoon, appearing larger and brighter as it is closer to Earth than average. Additionally, a partial lunar eclipse is expected, visible across Saudi Arabia, the Arab world, North and South America, the Atlantic Ocean, Europe, and Africa. Only a small portion of the moon will pass through Earth’s shadow, and observers can witness it if skies are clear.

For planet enthusiasts, Saturn will reach opposition on September 7, placing it at its closest distance to Earth this year, about 1.3 billion kilometers away. Through a telescope, Saturn’s beautiful ring system—spanning over 282,000 kilometers in diameter but only about 30 feet thick—can be observed. This year, until 2025, only the edge of the ring system will be visible from Earth, a phenomenon occurring every 14-15 years.

International Impact and Observations

The partial lunar eclipse will be visible across multiple continents, highlighting the global appeal of astronomical events observed from Saudi Arabia. Prominent stars visible this month in the northern hemisphere include those of the Big Dipper, the Little Dipper, and the North Star (Polaris). Away from city lights, the Milky Way can be seen stretching from the northeastern horizon to the southwest. In early morning hours, Mercury can be observed on the eastern horizon along with bright winter stars like those of Gemini.

Vision 2030 Alignment

These astronomical phenomena underscore Saudi Arabia’s growing role in scientific education and public engagement, aligning with Vision 2030’s goals of fostering knowledge-based industries and cultural enrichment. By promoting events like the September skywatching season, the Kingdom supports its ambition to become a global hub for science, innovation, and tourism, inspiring future generations.

20 Questions

Q1. What marks the astronomical end of summer in the northern hemisphere?

A1. The gradual decline of the sun’s daily path across the sky leads to shorter daylight hours, culminating in the autumnal equinox on September 22, as confirmed by the Jeddah Astronomy Society.

Q2. When does the autumnal equinox occur this year?

A2. The autumnal equinox will occur on September 22, 2024, according to Eng. Majed Abu Zahra, Director of the Jeddah Astronomy Society.

Q3. Why is the first half of September ideal for skywatching?

A3. The moon reaches its full phase on September 18, so the first half of September has no moonlight, offering clear, dark skies for observing celestial objects.

Q4. What is the Harvest Moon?

A4. The Harvest Moon is the full moon closest to the autumnal equinox, named for its historical role in helping farmers harvest crops. This year, it is also a supermoon.

Q5. What is a supermoon?

A5. A supermoon occurs when the moon is at its closest point to Earth in its orbit, making it appear larger and brighter than a typical full moon.

Q6. Is a lunar eclipse expected in September 2024?

A6. Yes, a partial lunar eclipse is expected, where only a small portion of the moon passes through Earth’s shadow, visible in clear skies across many regions.

Q7. Where will the partial lunar eclipse be visible?

A7. The eclipse will be visible in Saudi Arabia, the Arab world, North and South America, the Atlantic Ocean, Europe, and Africa.

Q8. Which planet is best to observe at the beginning of September?

A8. Saturn is the best planet to observe, reaching opposition on September 7, when it is closest to Earth and brightest.

Q9. How far is Saturn from Earth during opposition?

A9. Saturn will be about 1.3 billion kilometers away from Earth during its opposition on September 7, 2024.

Q10. What can be seen through a telescope when observing Saturn?

A10. Saturn’s beautiful ring system, spanning over 282,000 kilometers in diameter but only about 30 feet thick, can be observed.

Q11. Why are Saturn’s rings appearing edge-on this year?

A11. Only the edge of Saturn’s ring system is visible from Earth from 2024 to 2025, a phenomenon that occurs every 14-15 years due to the planet’s axial tilt.

Q12. Which stars are prominent in the northern hemisphere this month?

A12. Prominent stars include those of the Big Dipper, the Little Dipper, and the North Star (Polaris), visible near the northwestern horizon.

Q13. Can the Milky Way be seen in September?

A13. Yes, away from city lights, the Milky Way can be seen stretching from the northeastern horizon to the southwest, representing our galaxy’s dense disk.

Q14. When can Mercury be observed this month?

A14. Mercury can be observed on the eastern horizon in the early morning hours at the start of September, before dawn light becomes too bright.

Q15. What other stars are visible with Mercury in early morning?

A15. Bright winter stars like those of Gemini are visible alongside Mercury in the early morning sky.

Q16. Who is Eng. Majed Abu Zahra?

A16. Eng. Majed Abu Zahra is the Director of the Jeddah Astronomy Society, a key figure in Saudi astronomical education and public outreach.

Q17. What is the Jeddah Astronomy Society?

A17. The Jeddah Astronomy Society is a Saudi organization dedicated to promoting astronomy, scientific awareness, and skywatching events, aligning with Vision 2030 goals.

Q18. How does Saudi Arabia support astronomical education?

A18. Through institutions like the Jeddah Astronomy Society and events such as skywatching sessions, Saudi Arabia fosters scientific knowledge and public engagement.

Q19. What is the significance of September for skywatching?

A19. September offers clear skies, a supermoon, a partial lunar eclipse, and Saturn at opposition, making it an ideal month for astronomers and enthusiasts.

Q20. How does this event align with Vision 2030?

A20. By promoting science and tourism, such events support Vision 2030’s goals of diversifying the economy, enhancing cultural enrichment, and positioning Saudi Arabia as a hub for innovation.

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