Ramadan Celestial Events Illuminate Skies For Skywatchers

Sky observers in Saudi Arabia and beyond are set for a busy Ramadan 1447 AH, as several astronomical phenomena line up through the month. Key highlights include a full moon with a lunar eclipse, the spring equinox, and repeated opportunities to view bright planets and other objects with the unaided eye.

Among the events, Jeddah Astronomy Society Director Majed Abu Zahra identifies the mid-Ramadan full moon on March 3 as the most notable. This full moon, known as the "Lavender Moon," coincides with a total lunar eclipse that will not be visible in Saudi Arabia or elsewhere in the Arab world.

Although the total phase of the March 3 eclipse misses the region, Abu Zahra notes that parts of Oman and the United Arab Emirates will witness a penumbral eclipse. During a penumbral eclipse, the moon passes through the outer shadow of Earth, causing a very subtle dimming that can be difficult to detect.

The sequence of Ramadan 1447 astronomical phenomena also includes the spring equinox on March 20. At this point, day and night are nearly the same length worldwide. Astronomically, the equinox marks the start of spring in the Northern Hemisphere, bringing longer daylight hours for observers across Saudi Arabia.

The run of events actually starts earlier, on Thursday, February 19, with a striking planetary scene after sunset. According to Abu Zahra, a slim crescent moon will appear above the western horizon, forming an arc with Saturn, Mercury, and Venus. This compact grouping will be visible to the naked eye in clear weather conditions.

The apparent closeness of the crescent and planets is due to perspective, as the bodies remain far apart in space. Yet the alignment creates a visually pleasing pattern in the evening sky. Observers in Saudi cities and rural areas alike will be able to follow the spectacle without special equipment.

Abu Zahra explains that the changing phases of the moon across Ramadan 1447 AH give observers a regular chance to examine lunar details. Through telescopes, viewers can track shifting shadows along the terminator line, where night meets day on the lunar surface, and pick out craters, mountain ranges, and darker maria plains.

The Jeddah Astronomy Society director also highlights that this period favours viewing deep-sky objects and variable stars with telescopes. In addition, passes of the International Space Station will cross the Saudi sky at selected times, appearing as a bright moving point. These repeated views add both scientific interest and visual appeal to the nights of Ramadan.

With inputs from SPA