An overview of the astronomical circumstances surrounding the investigation process and the astronomical date of the first day of Ramadan

Arab Weather - The Arab and Islamic nations, including Jordan and Saudi Arabia, will observe the crescent moon of Ramadan this year after sunset on Friday, 29th Sha’ban 1446 AH, corresponding to February 28, 2025.

When does the first day of Ramadan begin astronomically?

Astronomical calculations indicate that the central conjunction will occur at 3:45 AM on Friday. The crescent moon will remain above the horizon for 33 minutes after sunset in Mecca, and its age at the time of observation will be 15 hours and 27 minutes. In Amman and Jerusalem, the crescent will remain visible for 36 minutes after sunset, with an age of 15 hours and 26 minutes.

This makes sighting the crescent possible with the naked eye in most Arab countries. As a result, it is expected that most Arab and Islamic nations will announce Saturday, March 1st, as the first day of Ramadan.

Below is a map illustrating the visibility of the Ramadan crescent after sunset on Friday across Arab and Islamic countries and around the world, according to the International Astronomical Center.

Below are the times of sunset and moonset and the period of the moon’s stay on the horizon after sunset in some areas of Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Arab capitals: