Ramadan Crescent 1447: Al Majmaah Observatory Calculations and Sunset Time
The Al-Majmaah University Astronomical Observatory in Hawtat Sudair, one of the most prominent accredited astronomical observatories in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, announced its complete readiness and the completion of its technical and scientific preparations for observing the crescent moon of Ramadan 1447 AH. The observatory has set Tuesday, February 17, 2026, as the date for the observation, revealing precise calculations that outline the beginning of the holy month and put an end to early astronomical speculations.
Details of the astronomical calculations and the date of the conjunction
According to the statement issued by the observatory, the scientific conditions for the sighting indicate that the central conjunction (new moon) will occur astronomically at 3:03 PM Riyadh time on the 29th of Sha'ban 1447 AH. The moment of conjunction is the astronomical basis upon which astronomers calculate the beginning of the new lunar month, as the moon begins to move away from the sun's path, making it observable.
Regarding sunset times, calculations indicate that the sun will set in Mecca at 6:19 PM, while the crescent moon will set immediately afterward at 6:23 PM, meaning the crescent will remain visible for four minutes in the holy city. At the observatory site in Hawtat Sudair, the sun will set at 5:52 PM (at 257 degrees), and the crescent moon will set at 5:54 PM (at 256 degrees).
The two-minute challenge and the importance of the Sudair Observatory
Data indicates that the crescent moon will remain visible on the horizon of the Al Majmaah Observatory for only two minutes after sunset, at an altitude of 0.5 degrees and an elongation of 1.61 degrees. This narrow time difference presents a significant challenge for observers, as sighting the crescent under such conditions requires perfectly clear atmospheric conditions and the use of state-of-the-art astronomical telescopes, given the crescent's extreme proximity to the sun's glare.
The Al-Majmaah University Observatory in Hawtat Sudair holds strategic and historical importance in the Kingdom, as it is a unique geographical location with an open horizon and topography conducive to precise observation. Over the years, the observatory has contributed to the accurate documentation of the beginnings of the Islamic months, making it a trusted reference for the Supreme Court and other religious authorities.
The integration of astronomy and Islamic legal vision
This announcement comes within the context of the ongoing integration between astronomical calculations and the official sighting of the new moon in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. While astronomical observatories provide precise data on the birth and setting of the crescent, naked-eye or telescopic sighting remains the official criterion adopted by the Supreme Court for announcing the start of the holy month. These calculations assist the moon-sighting committees in directing their telescopes towards the precise location of the crescent, thus increasing the chances of accurate observation.
The Islamic and scientific communities are expected to follow the results of this monitoring with great interest, given the religious and spiritual importance of the month of Ramadan, and the impact of its start date on the schedules and events in the Islamic world.
