The conjunction of the crescent moon of Dhu al-Hijjah and Venus adorns the skies of Saudi Arabia today
Engineer Majed Abu Zahra, head of the Jeddah Astronomical Society, announced that the skies of Saudi Arabia and the Arab world will witness an exceptional astronomical event this evening, Monday. This event is the conjunction of the crescent moon of Dhu al-Hijjah and Venus, where the brightest planet in the solar system will grace the sky alongside the new moon, creating a beautiful spectacle visible to the naked eye above the western horizon immediately after sunset.
Details of the phenomenon of the conjunction of the crescent moon of Dhu al-Hijjah and Venus
Abu Zahra explained that this event is an apparent conjunction; it results from the alignment of celestial bodies along the line of sight from Earth. Although the actual distances separating the Moon and Venus in the vastness of space are estimated at millions of kilometers, they appear close together in the sky. He noted that the best times to observe this phenomenon begin 30 to 60 minutes after sunset, before the two celestial bodies gradually descend below the western horizon.
Because the celestial body will be relatively low above the horizon, clear atmospheric conditions and an unobstructed western view are crucial for successful observation. The crescent moon will appear thin and faint, while Venus will shine as a bright and steady point of light, creating a captivating visual contrast between the two celestial bodies. The passage of light through the denser layers of the atmosphere near the horizon may also impart a slight reddish tint to the crescent and a slight fluctuation in Venus's brightness.
The astronomical and historical context of observing the new moon and planets
Observing celestial bodies, especially the moon and bright planets, holds a deep historical legacy in Arab and Islamic culture. Since ancient times, Arabs have relied on tracking the phases of the moon and the movement of planets like Venus, historically known as the "morning and evening star," to determine the seasons and directions. The sighting of the crescent moon of Dhu al-Hijjah holds immense religious and cultural significance, as this month is associated with the Hajj pilgrimage and the blessed Eid al-Adha. The coincidence of this particular crescent with a bright planet like Venus rekindles the historical fascination with celestial observation and connects current generations to the rich scientific heritage established by Muslim astronomers in measuring angles and calculating orbits with remarkable precision.
Scientific significance and regional impact of the phenomenon
The significance of this phenomenon extends beyond mere visual beauty, encompassing important scientific and educational dimensions at both the local and regional levels. Locally in Saudi Arabia, such events contribute to raising public awareness of astronomy and support scientific and astronomical tourism initiatives, aligning with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030. Regionally and internationally, observing these conjunctions presents a golden opportunity for observatories and educational institutions to simplify complex astronomical concepts for students and the public, such as explaining the Moon's orbital motion around the Earth and clarifying the positions of the inner planets relative to our planet. This event also highlights the apparent path of most visible celestial objects, fostering collaboration among amateur astronomers in various Arab countries to exchange images and observational data.
Golden tips for observing and photographing the astronomical scene
The head of the Jeddah Astronomical Society confirmed that the phenomenon will be easily visible from within well-lit cities without the need for telescopes or complex observation equipment, provided there is a clear western horizon. The apparent angular distance between the Moon and Venus will range from approximately two to four degrees of arc, depending on the observer's geographical location and the time of observation.
For astrophotography enthusiasts, wide-angle lenses between 24 and 50mm are recommended to capture the overall skyscape alongside terrestrial landscapes. Those wishing to combine the two celestial bodies into a single close-up frame can opt for medium to long lenses with a focal length between 100 and 200mm. It is always best to begin shooting during twilight, before darkness falls, to achieve optimal lighting balance and highlight aesthetic details.
Expected astronomical events in the Kingdom's skies
When telescopes are pointed at Venus during this period, it will appear in its waxing gibbous phase with approximately 83% illumination, a result of sunlight reflecting off its dense atmosphere. Meanwhile, the Moon continues its orbit around Earth at an angular speed of about 13 degrees daily towards the east, which explains the rapid changes in its position from night to night.
Engineer Abu Zahra concluded his statement by noting that this conjunction marks the beginning of a series of fascinating astronomical events. On the evening of Tuesday, May 19, the Moon will appear between Venus and Jupiter, followed by another conjunction on the evening of Wednesday, May 20, between Jupiter and the star Betelgeuse. Venus will continue its apparent eastward movement, gradually approaching Jupiter, in preparation for a historic conjunction between them on June 9, 2026, which is considered one of the most anticipated astronomical events for scientists and astronomy enthusiasts alike.
