Khaberni - Astronomical calculations released by Saudi and international entities have revealed the onset of the holy month of Ramadan and the first days of Eid al-Fitr for the year 1447H, amidst a striking astronomical scene that decorates the sky of February, reigniting the annual debate about the possibility of sighting the crescent moon and unifying the fasting date among Islamic countries.
They mentioned that the process of determining the date for the sighting of Ramadan's crescent, 1447, will take place on the evening of Tuesday, 29 Sha'ban 1447 AH, corresponding to February 17, 2026.
February.. A month of remarkable cosmic phenomena
The Jeddah Astronomical Society confirmed that the sky will witness various astronomical phenomena this current February and mentioned that there is a prerequisite for the appearance of the "thin crescent" for the upcoming Ramadan on Wednesday, the 18th of the same month after sunset, while it will be clearly visible on Thursday, February 19, 2026.
They clarified that these phenomena make February one of the unique months for observation, giving astronomy enthusiasts a chance to follow the moon, planets, stars, and enjoy the cosmic shows.
"Snow Moon".. A traditional, not scientific, name
The president of the Jeddah Astronomical Society, Engineer Majid Abu Zahra, explained that the term "Snow Moon" has no connection to scientific classifications; rather, it is a traditional name given by some Native American cultures, linked to the snowfall season. He emphasized that astronomy only depends on the geometric positioning of the moon in its orbit, such as full moon or new moon, without any relation to the seasons or weather conditions.
Occultation of "Regulus" and Special Conjunctions
The waxing gibbous moon passed in front of Regulus, the brightest star in the constellation Leo, on the nights of the second or third of February, in an occultation visible over a wide geographical area, while only being observed as a conjunction in Saudi Arabia and most Arab countries.
It is anticipated that on the evening of February 18, the thin crescent of Ramadan will be spotted between the planets Mercury and Venus after sunset, and it will appear more clearly on the evening of February 19 near the planet Saturn in the western horizon.
Al-Zaqaq: Ramadan astronomically on Wednesday.. and Eid on Friday
For his part, Dr. Khalid al-Zaqaq, a weather and astronomy expert, clarified that astronomical calculations indicate the birth of the Ramadan crescent at 3:01 PM on Tuesday, 29 Sha'ban 1447 AH, remaining visible after sunset, which confirms its astronomical onset.
He added that Wednesday, February 18, 2026, would be the beginning of Ramadan according to the calculations, while Friday, March 20, 2026, will be the first day of Eid al-Fitr, after completing 30 days of Ramadan fasting.
International Astronomy Center: Sighting impossible on Tuesday
Conversely, the International Astronomy Center announced that most Islamic countries will look for the Ramadan crescent on the evening of Tuesday, February 17, 2026, confirming that astronomical data make sighting the crescent on that day "impossible or not feasible" across the Arab and Islamic world, whether by the naked eye or by using telescopes or advanced imaging technologies.
Scientific standards and the "Danjon" limit
The center further explained that the impossibility is due to the moon setting before the sun in the eastern Islamic world, and soon thereafter in its center and west, durations insufficient for visible crescent formation. It also pointed out that the moon's positions in cities such as Riyadh, Cairo, and Algiers fall below the international "Danjon limit," which scientifically confirms the impossibility of crescent sighting if its angular separation from the sun is less than about 7 degrees.
Expected discrepancies.. and fasting most likely on Thursday
The International Astronomy Center also noted that countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, Iran, Morocco, and Mauritania will search for the crescent on the evening of Wednesday, February 18, where sighting becomes possible in several Arab and Islamic capitals, including Mecca, Cairo, Abu Dhabi, and Rabat.
The center suggested that Thursday, February 19, 2026, is likely to be the first day of Ramadan in most Islamic countries, with possible variations in announcements according to the standards adopted in each country.
