Observing the crescent moon of Sha'ban 2026: Jeddah Astronomy Society reveals details of the Earth's light phenomenon
The Jeddah Astronomical Society announced details of the crescent moon sighting for the blessed month of Sha'ban, an astronomical event combining religious significance with cosmic beauty. The Society's president, Engineer Majid Abu Zahra, explained that the crescent will be visible on Tuesday evening, January 20, 2026, immediately after sunset. The crescent will grace the southwestern horizon in a magnificent display, offering an ideal opportunity for observation and photography across the Arab world, heralding the approach of the holy month of Ramadan.
Abu Zahra explained the precise scientific details of this event, noting that the moon reached its central conjunction (new moon) phase on Sunday, 29 Rajab 1447 AH, corresponding to January 18, 2026, at 10:51 PM Mecca time. This moment marks the astronomical transition of the moon from west to east of the sun, signifying the end of one lunar month and the beginning of a new cycle, which is the basis upon which the Islamic calendar calculates the months.
The evolution of the phases of the moon and the Islamic calendar
In further detailing the importance of this phenomenon, the observation of the new moon is a cornerstone of the Islamic calendar, which Muslims worldwide rely on to determine their religious seasons. As the moon gradually moves away from the glare of sunlight, its visibility to the naked eye becomes clearer compared to the previous night. Abu Zahra noted that the crescent's altitude will increase in the coming days as the illuminated portion of its surface grows, making it easier to see even in areas with slight light pollution.
The enchanting phenomenon of “Earthlight”
One of the most notable aspects of observing the crescent moon tonight is the possibility of witnessing the phenomenon known as "Earthshine." Abu Zahra added that observers may be able to notice a faint, grayish glow appearing on the unlit portion of the moon's disk. This phenomenon occurs as a result of sunlight reflecting off the Earth's surface (especially clouds and ice) and falling back onto the moon, dimly illuminating its dark side in a scene known as "the old moon in the embrace of the new moon.".
An opportunity for photography and astronomy enthusiasts
The head of the Jeddah Astronomical Society confirmed that the moon's continued eastward movement in its orbit around the Earth causes its apparent position in the sky to change from night to night, making it a natural guide for locating stars and planets. He explained that tonight presents a golden opportunity for astronomy and photography enthusiasts to observe the moon and explore faint celestial objects away from the glare of the sky. He advised staying away from city lights to capture the best shots that highlight the contrast between the bright crescent moon and the faint light of the Earth.
Abu Zahra concluded his remarks by inviting families and those interested to take advantage of this evening as an educational and entertaining opportunity for children, by raising their eyes to the sky and observing the crescent moon of Sha'ban with the naked eye on this cold winter night. It is a moment of encounter with a moon whose gentle light heralds the approach of the month of fasting, and it instills in young minds a love of contemplation and scientific curiosity, transforming the observation experience into a beautiful memory that combines science, enjoyment, and the spirit of discovery in our vast universe.
