Al-Murabba’aniyah draws to a close as ‘Al-Shula’ signals peak winter chill

The Al-Ujairi Scientific Center has announced that the winter season of Al-Murabba’aniyah is approaching its end with the emergence of its third and final star, ‘Najm Al-Shula’, which will rise on Friday, January 2, 2026.

During a scientific briefing, the center explained that Al-Shula will remain visible for 13 days, marking the last phase of Al-Murabba’aniyah. This period is characterized by the latest sunrise of the entire year, reflecting the peak dominance of night over day.

According to astronomical calculations, sunrise on the first day of Al-Shula will occur at 6:43 a.m., while sunset will be recorded at 5:01 p.m., leaving night hours longer than daylight. On average, nighttime will extend to approximately 13 hours and 42 minutes, reinforcing the season’s wintry grip, reports Al-Jarida daily.

Meteorologically, the center noted that Al-Shula is typically accompanied by a sharp intensification of cold, particularly during nighttime and in open or desert areas.

Temperatures are expected to drop noticeably, with frost forming in exposed locations, while fog may appear during early morning hours. The remaining leaves on deciduous trees are also expected to fall during this phase.

Astronomically, Al-Shula is distinguished by two closely aligned bright stars located at the end of the scorpion’s tail, often referred to in Arab astronomy as “the needle.”

The upper star shines with a second magnitude, while the lower appears slightly dimmer at third magnitude. The name “Al-Shula” originates from classical Arabic expression, likening the formation to a camel lifting its tail.

The Al-Ujairi Scientific Center emphasized that this stage represents one of the coldest intervals of the winter season, urging the public to take precautions during nighttime and early morning hours as Al-Murabba’aniyah makes its final departure.