Jeddah Astronomy Society: The last quarter coincided with Artemis II's orbit around the moon
The head of the Jeddah Astronomical Society, Engineer Majed Abu Zahra, explained that the skies of the Kingdom and the Arab world will witness a unique astronomical phenomenon, as the moon will be observed in its last quarter phase of Shawwal after midnight on Thursday, April 9, 2026. What makes this event exceptional is its historic coincidence with the flyby of Artemis II around the moon, adding an unprecedented scientific dimension to terrestrial observations. During this astronomical phase, approximately half of the moon will appear illuminated while the other half will be in shadow, representing the completion of three-quarters of its orbit around the Earth during the lunar month.
The historical context of the return of humans: Artemis 2's orbit around the moon
This cosmic alignment is a historical extension of the renowned Apollo program launched by NASA in the last century. More than half a century after the last crewed mission to the Moon (Apollo 17 in 1972), humanity is returning to explore deep space. The Artemis 2 mission is the first crewed flight in this ambitious program, aiming to send astronauts on an orbital mission to test the Orion spacecraft's systems and life support environment, paving the way for future missions that include actual landings on the surface and building sustainable infrastructure to support humanity's future journeys to Mars.
The importance of the event and its impact on the scientific landscape locally and internationally
The impact of this astronomical alignment extends far beyond the visual realm, holding significant local, regional, and international importance. Locally and regionally, this event inspires young generations in Saudi Arabia and the Arab world to pursue interest in space science and astronomy, particularly given the Kingdom's modern initiatives and ambitious space programs aimed at enhancing its standing in the global space sector. Internationally, the success of this mission represents a crucial step forward in international cooperation for space exploration, opening new horizons for scientific research and the development of advanced technologies.
A golden opportunity to observe lunar terrain
Engineer Abu Zahra added that the last quarter phase is one of the best times to observe the lunar surface features using binoculars or small telescopes. During this period, mountains and craters appear remarkably clear along the terminator, the line separating the illuminated and dark hemispheres, creating a stunning interplay of light and shadow. This three-dimensional visual effect enriches the observation and photography experience for astronomy enthusiasts. Furthermore, observing the moon during this phase provides a valuable educational opportunity to understand its phase cycle and the effects of sunlight on its surface.
Meticulous preparations to ensure mission safety
The head of the Jeddah Astronomical Society noted that after midnight, the moon will continue its gradual ascent in the sky, reaching its highest point with the sunrise on Friday, where it will appear against the backdrop of the gradually shifting blue hues of dawn. In connection with this significant event, NASA is meticulously preparing for the crew's return to Earth after the completion of their mission. These preparations include precisely tracking the spacecraft's trajectory, preparing safe landing sites in the ocean, and ensuring the readiness of rescue and ground support teams. This continuous monitoring aims to guarantee the astronauts' safe return and to gather valuable scientific data that will support future lunar exploration plans.
