KUWAIT: The Space Museum at Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Cultural Center announced on Sunday that several remarkable astronomical events and phenomena will be visible in Kuwait’s skies throughout September. In a statement to KUNA, the museum explained that astronomical phenomena refer to extraordinary occurrences in the universe such as solar eclipses, lunar eclipses, or the passage of comets, while astronomical events are predictable and recurring, such as moon phases, meteor showers and planetary alignments or oppositions.
The first highlight of the month will take place on Sunday, Sept 7, with a total lunar eclipse visible across Kuwait and the Gulf region. This will be the first and last total lunar eclipse of the year in Kuwait. The museum noted that such eclipses are rare for a specific geographic location, with the last total lunar eclipse visible in Kuwait occurring in 2018. On Sunday, Sept 21, Saturn will reach opposition, appearing exceptionally bright in the night sky for several nights. Using telescopes, observers will be able to see the planet’s details more clearly.
The following day, Monday, September 22, marks the autumnal equinox, when the Sun’s rays fall directly on the equator. This phenomenon occurs twice a year — once at the start of spring (around March 20) and once at the start of autumn (around Sept 22). Day and night will be of equal length at the equator, and the event marks the official end of summer in the Northern Hemisphere.
On Saturday, Sept 27, Kuwait will experience equal day and night, with sunrise at 5:39 am and sunset at 5:39 pm. This signals the onset of autumn in the country, a season considered one of the shortest compared with summer, and characterized by milder weather and lower temperatures as the angle of sunlight decreases to 60 degrees.
The Space Museum will also host a live planetarium show on Sept 4 to present these astronomical events using precise astronomical simulations. The program will include a live viewing of the total lunar eclipse, with opportunities for observation and documentation. The public can learn more about the museum’s activities and events through its official website and social media platforms. — KUNA
