What is the ruling on publishing information about the possibility of a solar eclipse in 8 years to remind people of the signs of Allah?

Question:
Honorable Shaykh, I read in the Riyadh newspaper, issue number [missing], and among what I read and what others read was what was written about the solar eclipse on the 30th of Rajab. They did not stop there; rather, they went on to say that it will occur in a year, meaning after eight years. In my view, this has no place in mention, because that is part of the unseen, which no one knows except Allah. It causes Muslims to talk about it, and it is a sign among the signs of Allah. What is the response from the scholars to those who publish this news? Does publishing it benefit the Muslims or not?

Answer:
The scholars (may Allah have mercy on them) stated that the science of eclipses is determined by calculation, calculating the movement of the sun and moon and their stations. Therefore, it is not part of the unseen for the calculators who know the stations and the movement of the sun and moon, for they determine the times of solar and lunar eclipses through the science of movement. People have tested that if the moon is in such a position, it is eclipsed, and if it is in such a position, it is eclipsed. This is what Allah has made a covenant by, Glorified and Exalted is He. This matter may sometimes be disrupted and not occur, but this is tested. The Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah, Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allah have mercy on him), and others among the scholars mentioned that it is determined by calculation and is not part of the unseen, regarding the expertise in calculating the movement of the sun and moon. However, there is no need to announce this, and no benefit in announcing it. The sudden occurrence of an eclipse upon people helps them to fear, to display seeking forgiveness and repentance to Allah, and the like, as the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: So there is no need for that. But some people try to show off, adorning themselves by saying, "I know, I have news, I calculate, and I do such and such." Their love of being listened to and their love of publicity lead them to calculate and announce these matters, whereas they have no need for it, and there is no benefit in announcing it. Nor should it be announced, because announcing it may lessen the impact on people and make them indifferent to it, as if it is a custom of no value. But if it strikes them without them being aware of it, that is closer to being affected. We ask Allah for everyone until the Day of Judgment.