Astronomical phenomena in Ramadan 2026: conjunctions, eclipses, and the spring equinox
Introduction: The skies of Ramadan 2026 are set to witness exceptional events
Engineer Majed Abu Zahra, President of the Jeddah Astronomical Society, announced that the holy month of Ramadan in 1447 AH (corresponding to 2026 CE) will witness a series of remarkable astronomical phenomena that will grace the skies of Saudi Arabia and the Arab region. This blessed month combines the beauty of planetary conjunctions, the significance of the spring equinox, and a major astronomical event: a total lunar eclipse. This makes it an ideal time for astronomy enthusiasts, photographers, and all those interested in the wonders of the universe.
General context: Astronomy in Islamic and Arab culture
Historically, astronomy has been closely linked to Islamic civilization. Determining prayer times, the direction of the Qibla, and the sighting of the new moon for lunar months (such as Ramadan and Shawwal) played a pivotal role in the development of this science. Muslim scholars excelled in building astronomical observatories and developing precise mathematical instruments that remain fundamental to many modern astronomical concepts. The study of these phenomena today is a continuation of this great legacy, combining science, faith, and contemplation of the magnificence of creation.
First: A magnificent quartet conjunction opens the celestial scenes
The first of these celestial events will begin on the evening of Thursday, February 19, 2026, with a striking conjunction of the crescent moon and three bright planets: Saturn, Mercury, and Venus. Abu Zahra explained that this conjunction will appear as a low celestial arc above the western horizon shortly after sunset. This enchanting spectacle can be seen with the naked eye, provided the sky is clear and unobstructed, creating a beautiful natural astronomical display. The view will be even more spectacular when observed through binoculars or cameras, which will reveal finer details of these seemingly close celestial bodies.
Second: “The Lavender Moon” and the total lunar eclipse
The month reaches its astronomical peak around its midpoint, specifically on March 3, 2026, with the full moon, known in some cultures as the "Lavender Moon." This full moon coincides with a total lunar eclipse. Abu Zahra noted that this total eclipse will not be visible in the skies of Saudi Arabia and most Arab countries. A total lunar eclipse occurs when the entire moon passes through the Earth's umbra, completely blocking direct sunlight and giving it a faint reddish hue due to the refraction of sunlight through the Earth's atmosphere. Although it will not be visible in our region, some eastern parts of Oman and the UAE may experience the beginning of the eclipse as a faint penumbral eclipse. This event remains of global importance, as millions around the world follow it, and it provides scientists with an opportunity to study the Earth's atmosphere.
Third: The vernal equinox and the equal length of day and night
As Ramadan draws to a close, specifically on March 20, 2026, the vernal equinox will occur. This precise astronomical moment marks the beginning of spring in the Northern Hemisphere. On this day, the sun is directly overhead at the equator, resulting in nearly equal day and night lengths across the globe. This event represents a point of equilibrium in Earth's annual orbit around the sun and was celebrated by many ancient civilizations as a sign of nature's renewal and the start of a season of growth and fertility.
Other monitoring opportunities during the holy month
Abu Zahra concluded by emphasizing that Ramadan nights, aside from these major events, remain an ideal opportunity to observe the moon's changing phases day by day and to study its surface details using telescopes. He also encouraged observing the bright stars and constellations that adorn the sky at this time of year, as well as the possibility of watching the International Space Station pass by as a bright, moving point of light across the sky—an inspiring astronomical experience accessible to all.
