Saudi Arabian observatory issues statement for observing crescent moon of Ramadan

Dubai: The observatory of Al Majmaah University at Hawtat Sudair, near Riyadh, has released a statement on the scientific conditions for observing the crescent moon for the month of Ramadan 1442.

Astronomers at the observatory said that after carrying out their scientific calculations to determine the sighting of the moon for next Sunday April 11, 2021, which corresponds to Shaban 29, “the moon will set before the sun,” and so will not be able to be seen by the naked eye.

The observatory’s statement explained that the moon sighting is expected to be clearer the following evening on April 12, which corresponds to the Islamic date of Shaban 30.

The sun will set in Makkah at 6.38 pm and the crescent will rise at 7.01pm, “which means that the crescent will be formed 22 minutes after sunset, at an altitude of 4.75 degrees.”

Ramadan precautions

During a recent media briefing, officials from the UAE National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA) urged residents to take the following preventive measures against the spread of COVID-19 during Ramadan: