Moon and Pleiades Alignment Signals Qiran 19 and Arrival of Cooler Al-Wasm Season in Saudi Arabia

ARAR: Saudi Arabia’s skies witnessed a close apparent conjunction between the moon and the Pleiades star cluster on Wednesday, an astronomical event traditionally linked to “Qiran 19” and marking the beginning of the Al-Wasm season.

SPA reports indicate that this celestial alignment has long served as a seasonal marker for Bedouins and farmers throughout the Arabian Peninsula, signaling the gradual transition from summer heat to cooler weather and the onset of a period associated with rainfall and vegetation growth.

The first phase of Al-Wasm, known as Wasm Al-Harif, lasts approximately 27 days. The complete season extends for about 81 days and is traditionally divided into several distinct periods.

Mohammed Al-Hazimi, a member of the Astronomy Club, explained that the moon’s conjunction with the Pleiades is traditionally known as Qiran 19 and is associated with the arrival of Al-Wasm and a gradual decline in temperatures.

Traditional observations also connect this period to the development of rain-bearing clouds from the west and southwest, he noted.

Rainfall during Wasm Al-Harif is traditionally considered especially beneficial because it helps germinate spring vegetation and prepares the soil for the emergence of desert truffles, locally referred to as faq’a.

This seasonal transition carries broader implications for agriculture and the natural environment. Earlier SPA reports highlighted that similar moon-Pleiades conjunctions have historically helped communities anticipate agricultural cycles, including the ripening and harvesting of dates, grapes, and other seasonal crops.

The Pleiades, a prominent open star cluster, have long featured in Arab astronomical traditions. Communities historically observed the rising and setting of stars, lunar mansions, and other celestial positions to track seasons, plan planting and grazing activities, and anticipate weather changes.

Earlier this year, SPA reported that a moon-Pleiades conjunction known as the “Seventh Qiran” marked the beginning of the third month of spring and was traditionally associated with moderate temperatures, vegetation growth, and the emergence of desert truffles.

A conjunction reported in August marked the third month of summer, the gradual easing of peak heat, and the approach of the rising of Suhail, another prominent seasonal marker in Arab tradition.

A September conjunction was similarly described as signaling the waning of summer heat, with shorter days and longer nights, the ripening of seasonal fruits such as pomegranates, and the passage of migratory birds and raptors.

Beyond their astronomical significance, these celestial markers remain an integral part of the region’s cultural heritage, reflecting generations of careful sky observation and their relationship to the land, climate, and seasonal rhythms.

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