End of ‘Scorpions’ Season signals end of winter

The Al-Ujairi Scientific Center announced that the second phase of the “Scorpions” season, which began on February 23, marks the final period of the winter season, signaling a gradual transition toward spring.

The center explained that although these days represent a farewell to winter, cold weather will not disappear immediately, as seasonal change typically brings fluctuating conditions. Temperatures are expected to vary between rises and drops during this transitional period.

According to the center, the conclusion of the Scorpions season will be followed by the first phase of the Al-Hamimin season, known as “Saad Al-Saud,” beginning on March 8 and lasting for 13 days.

This phase includes what is traditionally called the “old woman’s cold,” a period when colder temperatures return after relatively warm days.

The phenomenon earned its name from ancient folklore describing an elderly shepherd who sheared her sheep after feeling warmth, only for a sudden cold wave to strike, causing the loss of her flock.

The center added that another well-known period, sometimes referred to as the “seller of the fool’s cloak,” may occur during the final week of March. This cold spell does not happen every year but can bring sharp temperature drops in some seasons.

It also noted that the name “fat scorpion,” associated with this seasonal period, originates from the abundance of spring vegetation, when grazing animals gain weight as pastures flourish and plant life begins to revive.

In a separate announcement, the center highlighted anticipation surrounding a rare astronomical event known as a planetary alignment, expected at the end of February.

Six planets — Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune — are projected to appear in a striking visual formation visible from many parts of the world, including the State of Kuwait, provided skies remain clear.

The peak of the phenomenon is expected on February 28, when the planets will appear aligned along the ecliptic — the apparent path followed by the sun, moon, and planets across the sky.

Astronomically, planetary alignment occurs when several planets appear on the same side of the sun from Earth’s perspective, creating the visual impression of a straight line despite vast differences in their actual positions in space.

The center explained that Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, and Saturn can be observed with the naked eye during specific periods after sunset or before sunrise, while Uranus and Neptune require binoculars or telescopes due to their faint visibility.

The Al-Ujairi Scientific Center emphasized that the event offers a valuable scientific and educational opportunity, encouraging astronomy enthusiasts and the public to observe the sky and appreciate the precision and grandeur of the solar system’s movement.