The moon is in its first quarter phase for the month of Sha'ban: a remarkable astronomical observation today
The Jeddah Astronomical Society, through its president, Engineer Majid Abu Zahra, announced that the skies of the Arab world will witness a remarkable astronomical event today, Monday, January 26, 2026, as the moon reaches its first quarter phase for the blessed month of Sha'ban. This event occurs after the moon has completed a quarter of its orbital period around the Earth since the moment of conjunction, making it a focal point for astronomy enthusiasts and photography aficionados in the region.
Details of the phenomenon and timing of observation
Engineer Abu Zahra explained that the moon in this phase begins its daily journey by rising from the eastern horizon at noon local time, and continues its gradual ascent across the sky to reach its highest point (azimuth) just before sunset. This timing provides observers with an ideal opportunity to follow the celestial body with perfect clarity, as it remains visible in the sky from the afternoon until midnight, offering a wide window of time for observation and monitoring.
The dividing line and the magic of lunar terrain
From both a scientific and aesthetic perspective, the first quarter phase is one of the best times to observe the lunar surface features. The president of the Astronomical Society noted that half of the lunar disk is illuminated by sunlight, while the other half is shrouded in shadow, creating what is known as the "lunar terminator." This terminator plays a crucial role in revealing the Moon's geological details; the interplay of light and shadow gives ancient impact craters, towering mountain ranges, and lunar valleys a three-dimensional appearance, making them appear deeper and more distinct compared to other lunar phases.
Tips for amateur and professional astrophotographers
The Jeddah Astronomical Society offered advice to those interested in taking advantage of this opportunity, emphasizing that observation doesn't require complex equipment to appreciate the overall beauty. However, to obtain detailed information about the surface features, it's recommended to use binoculars or a small telescope with an aperture between 4 and 6 inches. Photographers can also use filters to reduce glare and enhance contrast between light and dark areas, resulting in professional-looking astronomical images that highlight surface details with exceptional precision.
Astronomical context and the moon's orbital movement
In its orbital motion, the moon will continue its regular movement around the Earth in the coming days. The angular distance between it and the sun gradually increases as it moves away from the sun in the sky, approaching the full moon phase day by day. At this stage, the moon will begin to appear at sunset, illuminating the night sky throughout the darkness. This gradual progression of lunar phases is of great importance in the Islamic calendar, as the month of Sha'ban serves as the gateway to the holy month of Ramadan. Therefore, observing the moon's phases during this month holds cultural and religious significance, in addition to its scientific importance.
Abu Zahra concluded his remarks by emphasizing that these astronomical phenomena enhance public awareness of space science and astronomy, and provide live scientific material for students and researchers to study the mechanics of the sky and the features of our nearest celestial neighbor.
