As the date of the commencement of the holy month approaches, astronomical research institutes are preparing their studies to determine the date of the beginning of Ramadan, the month of fasting.
Dr. Mohamed Gharib, a professor at the National Institute for Astronomical and Geophysical Research, confirmed that the upcoming Sunday, corresponding to January 18th, will witness an astronomical phenomenon after which the date of the first day of the holy month will be definitively determined.
He added that this phenomenon consists of a complete conjunction between the moon, sun, and earth, where the three celestial bodies align in a straight line, explaining that this astronomical conjunction is a scientific indicator of the end of the month of Rajab astronomically.
He pointed out that the current month of Rajab will be completed as 30 days, with the beginning of the month of Sha'ban astronomically on January 20th, according to the precise astronomical calculations conducted by the institute.
The legal sighting of the hilal
He added that the National Institute for Astronomical and Geophysical Research provides these calculations to support authorities with precise scientific information, which contributes to clarifying the situation for the public, emphasizing that the legal sighting of the hilal remains fundamental in the official announcement of the beginnings of the Hijri months.
According to the studies, the hilal of Ramadan will be born directly on Wednesday, corresponding to February 18th, completing the month of Sha'ban, while the start of the month of Ramadan astronomically will be on Thursday, February 19th.
The new hilal is expected to remain in the sky of Cairo and the Egyptian provinces for a period ranging between 25 to 30 minutes after sunset on the day of sighting.
Forecasts suggest that the weather during the month of Ramadan will be moderately winter, which will positively reflect on the number of fasting hours that are expected to start at approximately 13 hours and 20 minutes on the first day, and gradually increase during the days of the holy month.
