Feb 25 β€’ 14:43 UTC πŸ‡ΆπŸ‡¦ Qatar Al Jazeera

The Pleiades: A Star Cluster Not to be Missed

The article discusses the Pleiades star cluster, emphasizing its significance in Arab culture and its visibility in winter nights.

The article highlights the Pleiades, a prominent star cluster that stands out against the winter night sky, known for its bright, concentrated light. It describes how even beginners in astronomy might confuse it with the Scorpius constellation, but the Pleiades is confined to a smaller area, making its brilliance even more impressive. The sheer beauty of the cluster, captured through Tamim Al-Tamimi's photography, reflects its noteworthiness in the Arab memory.

Moreover, the Pleiades is not just a cluster of stars in the Arab imagination; it represents the essence of a star. Traditionally, Arabs refer to it simply as 'the star,' implying its cultural significance. Its appearance around mid-October marks the onset of good fortune, correlating with the first rains of the season, known as "Waseem rains," which are essential for agricultural growth.

In this context, the article not only celebrates the scientific marvel that is the Pleiades but also the deep-rooted traditions and beliefs associated with it in Arab culture, representing a merge of astronomy and cultural heritage that highlights the importance of such celestial events.

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