The Ramadan last quarter moon was sighted at dawn on Wednesday over the Northern Borders region of Saudi Arabia, marking an important phase in the lunar cycle and signaling that the holy month is entering its final stretch. The moon appeared half illuminated by sunlight while the remaining half was covered in shadow, a clear sign that the end of Ramadan is approaching and that the new crescent moon sighting is drawing near.

Last Quarter Moon Observed Over Northern Borders

Astronomy observers reported that the moon was visible early Wednesday morning over the Northern Borders region. During this phase, the moon appears half-lit because only one side of it is illuminated by the sun while the other remains dark.

This phase is known as the last quarter moon, one of the primary stages in the lunar cycle that occurs as the moon continues its monthly orbit around Earth.

What the Last Quarter Moon Means During Ramadan

The appearance of the last quarter moon means that the moon has completed about three-quarters of its orbit around the Earth. In this phase, the eastern half of the moon becomes illuminated by sunlight.

During the last quarter phase, the moon is often visible during daylight hours, especially in the morning sky. This stage typically appears about a week before the new moon phase.

Signal That the End of Ramadan Is Near

The sighting of the Ramadan last quarter moon indicates that the Islamic lunar month is moving toward its final days. Astronomers and moon-sighting committees across Saudi Arabia closely observe the lunar cycle to determine the expected timing for the next crescent moon.

The next key event will be the sighting of the new crescent moon, which will officially mark the end of Ramadan and the beginning of the next Islamic month.

Preparation for Eid Al-Fitr Moon Sighting

As Ramadan enters its last phase, authorities and astronomical observatories will soon begin preparations to observe the Eid crescent moon. The confirmed sighting of the new crescent will determine the official date of Eid Al-Fitr, the festival that marks the conclusion of the fasting month.

Muslims across Saudi Arabia and around the world eagerly await the announcement of the crescent sighting, which signals the beginning of the celebrations after a month of fasting, prayer, and reflection.