Pleiades conjunction with moon marks start of Tharawi Wasm season in Saudi Arabia

The skies over Saudi Arabia witnessed a conjunction between the Pleiades star cluster and the moon today, a celestial event known in local tradition as "Qaran 17."

According to astronomy club member Mohammed Enad Al-Huzaimi, "Qaran 17" marks the beginning of Tharawi Wasm, the second phase of the Wasm season, as recognized in Saudi folklore.

Al-Huzaimi explained that ancient Arabs relied on this astronomical sign to track the seasons and monitor the Wasm period. The Tharawi Wasm is associated with heavy rains that enrich the land, encourage the growth of various grasses and truffles, and even benefit marine plants such as the lulu tree, a phenomenon they called "wealth."

He noted that Tharawi Wasm is the second stage of the Wasm season, lasting about 27 days. This period is characterized by rainfall that helps spring plants flourish and prepares the ground for truffle growth.

Al-Huzaimi added that the conjunction of the Pleiades and the moon has long fascinated Arabs, who used the movement of stars and lunar phases to determine seasonal changes, weather patterns, and the best times for planting, grazing, and the arrival of new seasons.

He emphasized that the Wasm season holds special significance for Bedouins, farmers, and those interested in cultural heritage, as it signals important shifts in weather and the anticipation of spring.