Jeddah Astronomy: The crescent moon of Jumada al-Ula will adorn the western horizon tonight.

After sunset on Thursday, the crescent moon of Jumada al-Ula will appear shining on the western horizon, adorning the sky with its beautiful light. Astronomy enthusiasts across the Arab world can clearly see and photograph the sight.

Engineer Majed Abu Zahra, head of the Jeddah Astronomical Society, explained that the central conjunction, which represents the actual movement of the moon from west to east of the sun, marking the beginning of a new lunar month, occurred on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at 3:25 p.m. Mecca time.

He added that as the moon gradually moves away from the sun's glare, it will appear more clearly than last night, noting that its altitude will increase day by day as its illuminated portion expands. This will provide a unique opportunity to observe the "earthshine" phenomenon, when the unlit portion of the moon appears beautifully dimly illuminated by the reflection of sunlight bouncing off Earth's surface.

Abu Zahra explained that this phenomenon, historically known as the "Leonardo da Vinci Glow" after the person who scientifically described it in the 16th century, can be seen with the naked eye or more clearly using binoculars during the first nights of the lunar month.

Abu Zahra pointed out that the next few days, when the bright moon sets early, are among the best times to observe distant celestial objects such as galaxies and star clusters, as the sky will appear clearer and darker.