Dr Saleh’s legacy soars high among the stars
Moon-based calendar one of his greatest contributions to Islamic world
This is the last in a series of articles on Dr Saleh Mohammed Al Aujairi (1921), the first Kuwaiti astronomer and outstanding figure in the development of Kuwait cultural awakening.
— Editor
“Al Hisban” is a voluminous book dealing with the movement of the sun and the moon and predictions of main events befalling the years from 1900 to 2500.
Another interesting book deals with how one can predict eclipses of the moon and of the sun.
Lidia Qattan
Theories
Scholars and scientists inevitably emerge with some theories that question certain phenomena; Al Aujairi theory concerns the earth’s plane of inclination to the sun, which appears to become shorter, due to the moon interference.
In his opinion the shortening is one of the causes in changing global weather conditions.
Another interesting observation of Al Aujairi is the relation of the earth inclination plane pointing North, which is right in the middle of the Islamic timing, as well as the precise point where the Kaaba stands. Before the official meteorological report following the news, Saleh could tell to people what kind of weather they were to expect in days, even weeks ahead. He could also explain in detail certain phenomena occurring with the season, for example why the population of some insects explodes at certain period.
He also could predict correctly when the month of Ramadan starts and ends, and when a solar or moon eclipse is due.
In the old days of superstitions a solareclipse was held in great fear and awe. At the moment it was happening the whole population took to the streets beating puts and drums, making a deafening noise, singing special chants to scare away the terrible monster that was threatening to swallow the sun.
When the sun eventually reappeared there was rejoicing, everyone was congratulating everyone else, and Saleh, knowing better, was simply smiling.
Incidentally, because of his connection with the stars and his wide range of knowledge on cosmic phenomena, Saleh was regarded with special consideration by people, who believed he possessed the power of healing.
Their belief grew stronger when a man forced him, under threat, to perform some sort of miracle on his sick horse. By a fortuitous coincidence the animal recovered and the news that Saleh had the “healing power” spread like wild-fire.
Soon people were coming from all over town and beyond to seek help, bringing their sick ones to Saleh to be cured.
Saleh had a hard time in convincing them that he was an ordinary man with no special power at all!
Incidentally that was the time when he began practicing magic tricks and hypnotism, people still remembers some of his best performances.
Knowledge
From the time Saleh Al Aujairi became seriously involved in astronomy he was dreaming of having an astronomy center with an observatory in Kuwait, where young people could become acquainted with the beauty and purpose of astronomy , and gain some useful knowledge.
For forty years he pondered on this issue, till in the early seventies he decided to make it feasible.
He bought a 1,000 square meter of land in the Andalos district, traveled to the USA and the UK to buy equipments for his project and in 1973 he got the building under-way.
Incidentally, at about the same time a group of young dilettanti, headed by Abdul Sharhan and Dawd Sleman Ahmad, were also planning to have an astronomy center in Salmiya, to attract young enthusiasts to the science of astronomy and meteorology.
In 1975 they founded the Astronomy club within the premises of the Tourist club.
When the secretary of the club met Al Aujairi in 1977, he invited him to visit the place. During his visit it was proposed to establish a large observatory bearing his name. Saleh was deeply moved.
In 1980 the Science Club was relocated at the Meshrif district, on the Sixth Ring Road; on the following year (in 1981) Saleh Al Aujairi was awarded an honor Doctorate degree, the first ever issued by the Kuwait University.
On the 10th April 1986 HH the Amir, Sheikh Jaber Al Ahmad inaugurated “Al Aujairi Observatory”, for Saleh Al Aujairi that was indeed a proud, emotional moment; having seen the realization of his dream he dropped his project at the Andalos .
Since the observatory was open to the public it became a magnet to school children in particular.
From the start about 130 boys and girl began visiting it on a daily basis, about 8000 during the first scholastic year. Membership to the Club ranged around 6,500 members. The number has increased since then.
All through the years, while studying and working, Saleh has been lecturing on astronomy and meteorology at the Science Club, in schools, in summer clubs and taking part in symposiums.
Society advances on the fulfilled dreams of others. Saleh Al Aujairi has left a legacy that has contributed to the general cultural awakening of Kuwait.
In his retirement he is still the same quick witted, positive minded individual as in his younger days.
Humble in his greatness, his restless spirit soars high among the stars with the same enthusiasm with which he gazed at the night sky when he first opened his eyes to this world and fell in love with the stars.