Khaberni - Accurate astronomical calculations determine the timing of Ramadan in Saudi Arabia, coinciding with the observation of prominent celestial phenomena that distinguish the sky in February and are of interest to astronomy enthusiasts.
Astronomers and experts in Saudi Arabia have revealed the expected astronomical timings for the beginning of the month of Ramadan and the first days of Eid al-Fitr for the year 1447 AH, coinciding with the observation of several prominent celestial phenomena that characterize the sky in February, providing multiple opportunities for enthusiasts to watch and observe.
Dr. Khaled Al-Zaaq, a weather expert, explained that astronomical calculations indicate that the birth of the crescent moon of Ramadan will occur at 3:01 PM on Tuesday, the 29th of Sha'ban 1447 AH, noting that the crescent will remain on the horizon after sunset, confirming the possibility of the month entering astronomically.
Al-Zaaq added that these data mean that Wednesday, February 18, 2026, will be the first day of Ramadan, after completing thirty days of the month of Sha'ban, with Friday, March 20, 2026, being the first day of Eid al-Fitr.
Abdulaziz Al-Hussaini, a researcher in weather and climate, mentioned on his official account on the platform «X», that astronomical calculations show that the month of Sha'ban for the year 1447 AH will be 29 days, explaining that work in the Kingdom is based on the alignment of astronomical calculations with legal sighting, whether by the naked eye or using a telescope.
Al-Hussaini, relying on past years' observation experiences, suggested that Wednesday, February 18, might be the start of the month of Ramadan, despite the difficulty of sighting the crescent on that day.
The sky in February is marked by a variety of celestial phenomena, making it a notable month for observation, and offering astronomy enthusiasts the opportunity to follow the moon, planets, and stars.
Eng. Majed Abu Zahra, head of the Astronomical Society in Jeddah, explained that observing faint celestial bodies is affected during the first week of the month due to the brightness of the moon, which reaches its full phase on the first of February.
Abu Zahra clarified that the term «Snow Moon» is not a scientific astronomical term, but a traditional expression used by some Indigenous cultures in North America, associated with snowfall periods, emphasizing that astronomy relies on the geometric condition of the moon in its orbit, such as full moon and elongation, without connection to the seasons or weather conditions.
He noted that the full moon follows a high path in the sky of the northern hemisphere, where it rises with sunset and sets with sunrise, while it appears lower in the southern hemisphere, due to the orbital geometry between the Earth, the sun, and the moon.
He also mentioned that on the night of the second or third of February, depending on the geographical location, the waning crescent moon will pass in front of the star «Regulus» in an occultation event observed in regions stretching from northwest Africa to parts of North America, while in Saudi Arabia and most Arab countries, it is seen as a conjunction only.
Abu Zahra added that February 18 offers the opportunity to observe the thin crescent moon of Ramadan between the planets Mercury and Venus shortly after sunset, requiring a clear western horizon, while the increasing crescent appears on the evening of February 19 near the planet Saturn in a low scene above the western horizon.
He confirmed that Jupiter is one of the most prominent celestial bodies during February, appearing in the constellation Gemini as part of a winter star pattern known as «Winter Hexagon», and can be easily recognized as a very bright point after sunset, while telescopes provide a clear view of its moons and cloud bands.
He also noted that Saturn offers its last evening views this season, observed low in the southwest horizon at the beginning of the month, with gradual improvement in the visibility of its rings and the possibility of observing its largest moon, «Titan».
The sky of February also abounds with star clusters and bright nebulae, such as Pleiades and the Orion Nebula, along with deeper objects like «Messier 35» and the Rosette Nebula, alongside prominent stars such as Ursa Major and Cepheus to the north, and the star Canopus in the southern half.
Additionally, February 17 witnesses an annular solar eclipse observed near the South Pole, without being visible in the Kingdom or the Arab world.
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