Jeddah: The skies over Earth during the holy month of Ramadan 1447 AH will witness a series of successive astronomical phenomena, offering a captivating spectacle for skywatchers and astronomy enthusiasts. Planetary conjunctions will blend with the spring equinox, creating a rich celestial display.
According to Saudi Press Agency, Jeddah Astronomy Society Director Majed Abu Zahra noted that the celestial events begin on Thursday, February 19, with a striking scene featuring the crescent moon aligned with Saturn, Mercury, and Venus in a graceful arc above the western horizon after sunset. This apparent close grouping will form an eye-catching visual display observable to the naked eye under clear skies.
He said that the month's most prominent event will occur mid-Ramadan with the full moon of March 3, known as the 'Lavender Moon,' coinciding with a total lunar eclipse that will not be visible in the Kingdom or the wider Arab world. However, it will appear as a penumbral eclipse in parts of Oman and the United Arab Emirates.
Abu Zahra added that the spring equinox will take place on March 20, when day and night are nearly equal in length, marking the astronomical beginning of spring in the Northern Hemisphere.
He emphasized that observing the moon's phases throughout the month provides an ideal opportunity to monitor lunar shadows and surface features, in addition to viewing variable stars and deep-sky objects through telescopes. Skywatchers may also observe passes of the International Space Station, a remarkable sight visible to the naked eye at specific times, adding both scientific and aesthetic dimensions to Ramadan nights for astronomy enthusiasts.