The skies over the Arab world will witness a spectacular astronomical event this evening, Tuesday, January 6, 2026, attracting the attention of astronomy enthusiasts and those interested in observing celestial phenomena. The waning gibbous moon will be visible in the region's skies alongside Regulus, the brightest star in the constellation Leo. This phenomenon presents an ideal opportunity for astrophotography and can be observed with the naked eye under clear weather conditions.
Engineer Majed Abu Zahra, head of the Jeddah Astronomical Society, explained that this conjunction represents only an apparent alignment from the perspective of an observer on Earth and does not reflect a true physical proximity in space. While the Moon is at an average distance of about 384,000 kilometers from our planet, Regulus, the star in deep space, is located at a distance of approximately 79 light-years. This highlights the grandeur and vastness of the universe, bringing together two distant celestial bodies in a single visual display.
Regarding the star's physical characteristics, Abu Zahra explained that Regulus is classified as a first-magnitude star, distinguished by its bluish-white color. It is a young, extremely hot star of spectral type B7. Astronomical studies indicate that its mass exceeds that of our Sun by approximately 3.5 times, while its true luminosity is about 360 times greater. One of the star's most remarkable features is its extremely rapid axial rotation, completing a rotation in less than 16 hours. This results in an oblate shape at the poles and a bulge at the equator, a physical phenomenon known as eccentricity resulting from rapid rotation.
Historically, Regulus holds a special place in human cultural heritage. Ancient civilizations recognized it as one of the four "royal stars" of the ancient Persians, used to divide the year and determine the seasons, where it was known as the "Guardian of the North." The Arabs also called it "the heart of the lion" because it is located in the chest region of the constellation Leo. Its visibility was historically linked to agricultural seasons and weather patterns, reflecting the close connection between humankind and the movement of the stars throughout the ages.
Observationally, this star is a key part of the constellation known as the Sickle, which resembles an inverted question mark and represents the head and chest of a lion. Because Regulus lies very close to the ecliptic (the apparent path of the Sun), it is regularly in conjunction with the Moon and planets, and on rare occasions, it may be occulted, disappearing briefly behind the lunar disk. These phenomena provide astronomers with valuable data about the Moon's orbit and movement.
Experts confirm that such astronomical phenomena have no geological or climatic effects on Earth, such as earthquakes or volcanic eruptions, contrary to some unscientific rumors. Their importance lies in their educational value, allowing enthusiasts to understand the mechanics of the heavens and clearly identify the positions of stars and constellations, thus fostering scientific awareness and a culture of astronomy within the community.
