Shawwal crescent moon impossible to spot on March 29, says International Astronomy Centre

Abu Dhabi: The International Astronomy Centre has confirmed that the crescent moon of Shawwal will be impossible to sight on Saturday, March 29, across all regions of the Arab and Islamic world. This is because the moon will set before the sun, and the conjunction will occur after sunset.

Due to these astronomical conditions, observing the crescent — whether with the naked eye, telescopes, or any other means — will be impossible on March 29.

For countries that require an actual sighting to confirm the start of Shawwal, Ramadan will likely extend to 30 days, making Eid Al Fitr fall on Monday, March 31.

However, since the conjunction will occur before sunset in some regions — allowing the moon to set after sunset in central and western parts of the Islamic world — some countries may choose to declare Eid Al Fitr on Sunday, March 30, based on their traditional moon-sighting practices.

Notably, at noon on Saturday, a partial solar eclipse will be visible in parts of the western Arab world, including Mauritania, Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. A solar eclipse is a clear astronomical event that can be witnessed with the naked eye, serving as definitive proof that the crescent moon cannot be seen at that time or in the hours that follow.

Given this scientific and observable evidence, it is important to be cautious of any false testimonies claiming to have sighted the crescent on that day. Such claims would be a clear mistake, as they contradict the astronomical reality that no crescent will be visible in the sky.