As the sun sets on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, the eyes of astronomy enthusiasts and observers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will turn towards the southwestern horizon, where the crescent moon of the holy month of Ramadan will adorn the sky in a magnificent astronomical scene, announcing the beginning of the Ramadan nights, and providing an ideal opportunity for astronomical photography and documentation when the atmosphere is clear.

Details of the conjunction and the beginning of the lunar month

In detailing this astronomical event, Engineer Majid Abu Zahra, President of the Jeddah Astronomical Society, explained that the moon reached its conjunction phase yesterday, Tuesday, February 17, at 3:01 PM Mecca time. This conjunction is the primary astronomical sign marking the end of one lunar month and the beginning of a new one, as the moon moves from west to east of the sun, beginning its usual monthly journey around the Earth.

Abu Zahra explained that the crescent moon observed today will begin to move away angularly from the sun, and will gradually rise in the sky over the coming days, leading to an increase in the area of ​​its illuminated part night after night, in an accurate embodiment of the precise cosmic system and the movement of celestial bodies.

Earthlight phenomenon and crescent moon brilliance

Among the aesthetic aspects of observing tonight's crescent moon is the potential appearance of what is known as "earthlight" or gray glow. This phenomenon occurs when sunlight reflected off the Earth's surface is refracted towards the moon, illuminating its dark portion with a faint and enchanting glow. This spectacle creates an exceptional beauty that can be observed with the naked eye, especially in areas far from urban light pollution, making it a prime target for astrophotographers.

The importance of astronomical observation and its connection to the Islamic calendar

The observation of the new moon in the Kingdom and the Islamic world holds immense importance that transcends the purely astronomical and scientific dimensions, touching upon religious and cultural aspects, as the Islamic calendar is entirely based on the moon's orbit around the Earth. The process of observation and verification is a long-standing tradition that combines religious heritage with precise astronomical calculations, thus strengthening the integration between Islamic jurisprudence and astronomy.

Observers are advised to choose locations with an open horizon free of obstructions such as buildings and mountains, and to stay away from bright city lights to ensure a clearer view of the thin crescent and the faint celestial objects that may appear close to its path during these first nights of the holy month.

In conclusion, the moon continues its apparent eastward movement among the stars day after day, serving as a visual guide and a natural celestial timer through which people follow the passing of the days of the holy month, in an experience that combines visual enjoyment with contemplation of God’s creation.

The National Center for Meteorology announced its full operational and technical readiness in preparation for the holy month of Ramadan 1447 AH, as part of a comprehensive strategic plan aimed at enhancing the accuracy of geographic coverage and utilizing advanced technological capabilities in the Makkah and Madinah regions. The plan focuses intensively on the Two Holy Mosques, the designated prayer times, international and regional airports, as well as the entry points and highways used by pilgrims.

This step comes within the framework of the utmost importance that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia places on serving pilgrims and visitors during religious seasons. The month of Ramadan, in particular, typically witnesses a high volume of people, requiring meticulous management of all logistical and security services, in which weather is a significant and influential factor. The relevant authorities are working in harmony to ensure that the rituals are performed in a safe and secure environment, leveraging the advanced digital infrastructure established by the Kingdom's Vision 2030.

Through its seasonal plan, the center aims to provide real-time and future weather data around the clock, while enhancing the efficiency of monitoring and forecasting potential weather phenomena before they occur. To achieve this, the center has utilized a wide network of geographically distributed observatories across the Kingdom, supported by modern weather radars, high-resolution satellite imagery, the Saudi numerical weather prediction model, and manned observatories, as well as automated and mobile stations covering vital areas.

As part of the digital transformation and to facilitate access to information for beneficiaries, the operational plan focused on issuing specialized weather bulletins for prayer times and providing accurate and up-to-date coverage of the weather conditions in the Two Holy Mosques. The plan also included displaying weather forecasts and early warnings on highways via electronic road signs, making real-time weather information and 10-day forecasts available through the "Anwaa" application, and establishing direct technical links with national smart platforms such as the "Nusk" and "Tawakkalna" applications to ensure alerts reach the largest possible segment of pilgrims.

Regarding air navigation, the plan included raising the level of performance and efficiency at the center's observatories in various airports across the Kingdom to ensure air navigation safety and professional handling of the anticipated increase in air traffic during the holy month. Accurate meteorological information at airports is a fundamental pillar for flight scheduling and avoiding any weather disturbances that could affect air traffic.

The center concluded its preparations by utilizing 14 diverse media platforms to ensure the rapid delivery of information and weather alerts to the public and relevant authorities, thereby enhancing community awareness and readiness to deal with any weather fluctuations, and contributing to achieving the highest standards of security and safety for those visiting the Holy Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque.