The conjunction of the crescent moon of Dhu al-Hijjah and Venus in the skies of Saudi Arabia | Details
Introduction to the prominent astronomical event
In a breathtaking celestial display, the head of the Jeddah Astronomical Society, Engineer Majid Abu Zahra, explained that the skies of Saudi Arabia and the Arab world will witness a remarkable astronomical phenomenon this Monday evening. This phenomenon is the conjunction of the crescent moon of Dhu al-Hijjah with Venus, the brightest planet in the solar system. This exceptional astronomical event can be easily observed with the naked eye above the western horizon just after sunset, providing a wonderful opportunity for astronomy and nature enthusiasts.
Historical context and cultural significance
This phenomenon gains added significance as it coincides with the month of Dhu al-Hijjah, a month of immense spiritual and religious importance to Muslims due to its association with the Hajj pilgrimage and the blessed Eid al-Adha. Historically, Arabs and Muslims have relied on observing the new moon to accurately determine the beginnings of the lunar months, and Venus, known as the 'Evening Star' or 'Morning Star', served as a prominent guide for desert travelers thanks to its exceptional brightness. The conjunction of these two celestial bodies revives the close connection between Arab culture and the sciences of the heavens, highlighting the enduring interest in astronomy, a field in which early scholars excelled.
The scientific explanation of the phenomenon of conjunction
Engineer Abu Zahra explained that this conjunction is an apparent conjunction resulting from the alignment of celestial bodies along the line of sight from Earth. Although the Moon and Venus appear close together to the observer, vast distances separate them in outer space. He noted that the best viewing times begin approximately 30 to 60 minutes after sunset, before the two celestial bodies gradually descend below the western horizon.
He noted that the celestial body will appear relatively low above the horizon, making clear atmospheric conditions and an unobstructed western horizon, free of tall buildings or mountains, crucial for successful observation. The crescent moon will appear thin and faint, while Venus will emerge as a bright and fixed point of light, creating a striking and visually captivating contrast between the two celestial bodies.
Visual effects and the importance of monitoring
The head of the Jeddah Astronomical Society added that the phenomenon's proximity to the horizon causes light to pass through denser layers of the atmosphere, which may result in a slight reddening of the crescent moon and a slight fluctuation in the brightness of celestial bodies, in addition to enhancing the visual effects associated with twilight. He confirmed that the phenomenon will be easily visible from within cities without the need for special observation equipment, provided there is a clear western horizon. The apparent angular distance between the moon and Venus ranges from approximately two to four degrees of arc, depending on the geographical location and the time of observation.
At both the local and regional levels, observing such phenomena contributes to spreading scientific awareness and simplifying basic astronomical concepts for the public, such as the moon's orbit around the Earth and the position of inner planets like Venus relative to Earth. It also enhances the standing of Saudi astronomical observatories in monitoring and documenting celestial events, inspiring younger generations to take an interest in science.
Tips for astrophotography
Regarding astrophotography, Abu Zahra explained that the scene can be professionally documented using wide-angle lenses between 24 and 50 mm to capture the overall view along with the terrestrial landscape, or using medium to long lenses between approximately 100 and 200 mm to more closely combine the two celestial bodies into a single frame. It is always preferable to shoot during twilight before darkness falls to achieve the best lighting balance and highlight the beauty of the sky.
The movement of celestial bodies and anticipated astronomical events
He noted that Venus will appear through the telescope in its waxing gibbous phase, with an illumination of approximately 83%, due to the reflection of sunlight off its dense atmosphere. Meanwhile, the Moon moves in its orbit around the Earth along the path of the apparent eclipse at an angular speed of about 13 degrees daily towards the east, which explains its rapid change in position from night to night.
He explained that this conjunction marks the beginning of a series of astronomical events in the coming days. On Tuesday evening, May 19, the Moon will appear between Venus and Jupiter, and on Wednesday evening, May 20, it will be in conjunction with Jupiter and the star Betelgeuse in the constellation Gemini. Venus will continue its apparent eastward motion, gradually approaching Jupiter, in preparation for a spectacular conjunction between them on June 9, 2026, which is considered one of the most anticipated planetary conjunctions.
He concluded by noting that these phenomena give amateur astronomers and astrophotographers a unique opportunity to follow the apparent movement of the moon among the bright planets, at a time when the evening sky is adorned with a number of prominent objects above the western horizon, reflecting the beauty of the universe and the precision of its magnificent system.
