Saudi Space Agency unveils guide to major astronomical events, celestial fiesta over Saudi skies through 2030

The Saudi Space Agency has published a comprehensive guide highlighting significant astronomical events expected in the Kingdom's skies from 2026 to 2030. This initiative aims to increase public awareness of space and astronomy by offering accessible scientific information about celestial phenomena, their timing, and their significance.

The guide features 62 events over five years, including solar and lunar eclipses, meteor showers, planetary alignments, equinoxes, and solstices. Each event is explained in simple terms to facilitate understanding and encourage observation.

Key events include a total solar eclipse on August 2, 2027, which will be visible across parts of Saudi Arabia, offering observers a unique chance to witness the moon completely covering the sun's disk and revealing the sun's corona. Another notable event is the total lunar eclipse on December 31, 2028. The guide also highlights the close approach of asteroid Apophis to Earth on April 13, 2029, an event of global scientific interest as the asteroid will pass at a distance of approximately 32,000 kilometers from Earth, closer than many geostationary satellites.

This approaching asteroid provides a rare opportunity for scientists to study the asteroid and observe the effects of Earth's gravity on its orbit, rotation, and physical properties. The guide emphasizes the importance of safety precautions when observing solar eclipses, advising against looking directly at the sun and recommending the use of approved protective eyewear.

It also serves as a valuable resource for the public and enthusiasts to identify and follow these celestial events safely and scientifically, thereby enriching the nation's astronomical culture and knowledge of space sciences.