Shawwal crescent moon impossible to spot on March 29 due to solar eclipse, say astronomers

Dubai: The crescent moon of Shawwal will be impossible to sight on Saturday, March 29, across all regions of the Arab and Islamic world due to a solar eclipse, astronomers have said.

Saudi astronomer Bader Al Omaira stated that spotting the Shawwal crescent on Saturday evening — whether with the naked eye, telescopes, or any other means — will be impossible, as the moon will set before the sun, and the conjunction will occur after sunset.

Al Omaira explained that since an actual sighting is required to confirm the start of Shawwal in Saudi Arabia and most Arab and Islamic countries, Ramadan is expected to last 30 days, making Eid Al Fitr fall on Monday, March 31.

Last week, the Abu Dhabi-based International Astronomical Centre confirmed that sighting the Shawwal crescent is impossible from the eastern part of the world and remains unfeasible across the rest of the Arab and Islamic world using any observation method.

Accordingly, if the Shawwal crescent is not sighted on Saturday, March 29, Ramadan will be 30 days long, and Eid Al Fitr will be observed on Monday, March 31. However, if the crescent is spotted, Eid Al Fitr will fall on Sunday, March 30.