A beautiful astronomical sight: Venus will be in conjunction with the crescent moon of Shawwal tonight
Engineer Majed Abu Zahra, head of the Jeddah Astronomical Society, confirmed that the skies of Saudi Arabia and the Arab world will witness an exceptional astronomical event after sunset on Friday, March 20, 2026. The crescent moon of Shawwal clearly visible above the western horizon as darkness falls. Adding to the allure of this spectacle is the conjunction of the crescent with Venus, the brightest planet in the solar system, creating a magnificent celestial display. This presents an ideal opportunity for astronomy enthusiasts and photographers to document this event, especially if the sky is clear of clouds and dust.
A close link between the sky and Arab heritage
Observing celestial bodies and the new moon has always been an integral part of Arab and Islamic culture throughout the ages. Since ancient times, Arabs have relied on observing the sky to determine the beginnings of the lunar months and the seasons for agriculture and trade. The anticipation of the new moon's appearance, in particular, represents a moment of special spiritual and social significance, as it heralds the end of the holy month of Ramadan and the arrival of Eid al-Fitr. This historical connection makes observing the sky on these nights a deeply ingrained tradition that combines the scientific precision of astronomical calculations with the human fascination with the beauty of the universe and the Creator's artistry, thus imbuing this astronomical event with a profound cultural dimension.
Details of the birth of the crescent moon of Shawwal astronomically
The head of the Astronomical Society explained that the moon reached conjunction at dawn on Thursday, March 19, Mecca time. At this precise moment, the moon and sun are close together on almost the same celestial longitude, after which the moon begins its eastward journey against the backdrop of stars. As the hours pass, the angular elongation between the moon and the sun increases, allowing sunlight to reflect off an increasing portion of its surface. By sunset on Friday, the crescent moon of Shawwal between 36 and 38 hours old. This is ample time for the crescent to appear thick and clearly visible to the naked eye, remaining visible in the sky for 80 to 90 minutes after sunset.
The enchanting phenomenon of “Earthlight”
One of the most striking visual phenomena that observers can witness during this event is known astronomically as "Earthlight." This occurs when the dark portion of the moon appears faintly illuminated. This light is simply the reflection of sunlight from the Earth's surface and oceans onto the moon, making the entire lunar disk appear dimly and beautifully visible within the arc of the illuminated crescent. This phenomenon is a remarkable visual demonstration of the interplay of light between celestial bodies and an important visual indicator for tracking the moon's movement, as its position among the stars changes by approximately 13 degrees daily towards the east.
Dimensions of the event and its impact at different levels
This event is not merely a fleeting astronomical phenomenon; it holds immense significance and far-reaching implications. Locally and regionally, the clear sighting of the crescent moon definitively marks the beginning of Shawwal and Eid al-Fitr in the Muslim world, directly impacting the social and religious preparations of millions of Muslims and unifying the sighting across many Arab countries. Internationally, the conjunction of the moon and Venus attracts the attention of astronomical observatories and space agencies worldwide, as such conjunctions offer a valuable opportunity to study the movement of celestial bodies and calibrate optical instruments. The event also contributes to the promotion of scientific tourism and the dissemination of astronomical awareness among the general public.
Golden tips for documenting the astronomical scene
For photography enthusiasts, the period 20 to 30 minutes after sunset is the ideal time to capture stunning images. At this time, the deep blue of the sky is balanced by the brilliance of Venus and the crescent moon. Using a tripod is recommended to ensure camera stability, along with a long exposure of several seconds to highlight the details of the moon's shadowy portion. A moderate ISO setting should also be used to avoid digital noise in the images, guaranteeing professional-looking shots that immortalize this rare celestial phenomenon, a perfect blend of calculated precision and natural beauty.
