UAE Astronomers Issue Urgent Safety Alert for Ramadan Crescent Observation
Astronomers in the United Arab Emirates have released a critical safety advisory in anticipation of the Ramadan crescent sighting scheduled for Tuesday, February 17. The public is strongly warned against attempting to observe the moon using telescopes or binoculars, as this poses severe risks to eye health due to the moon's unusual alignment with the sun.
High Risk of Eye Damage from Solar Proximity
The International Astronomical Centre, headquartered in Abu Dhabi, has highlighted that the moon will be positioned exceptionally close to the sun at sunset across most of the Arabian Peninsula. This rare celestial configuration coincides with a solar eclipse earlier in the same day, dramatically increasing the danger of accidental exposure to direct sunlight through optical devices.
According to the IAC, pointing telescopes or binoculars at celestial objects near the sun without certified solar filters can lead to temporary or permanent eye injuries, including potential blindness. On February 17, any effort to sight the crescent at sunset would likely bring the sun into the field of view of these instruments, endangering both observers and equipment, as lenses could be damaged by concentrated sunlight.
Angular Separation and Visibility Challenges
Moon-sighting committees throughout the Arab and Islamic world are expected to search for the Ramadan crescent on that evening. However, the angular separation between the sun and moon at sunset will be remarkably small. In Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, it is projected to be just one degree, meaning the crescent, if present, would be approximately half a degree from the sun's edge.
Khadijah Al Hariri, Operations Manager at the Dubai Astronomy Group, explained to Khaleej Times that despite the solar eclipse occurring earlier, the moon will remain extremely close to the sun by sunset. This proximity ensures that any telescope aimed at the crescent's expected position would capture direct or near-direct sunlight, making observation hazardous.
Poor Visibility Conditions Across the Region
The International Astronomical Centre has stated that the moon will not meet the necessary visibility criteria across the Arabian Peninsula on February 17. In several Saudi cities, the moon's elevation at sunset is forecast to fall below established visibility thresholds. For instance, in Jazan, which is expected to have the highest altitude in the Kingdom, the moon's elevation will be around half a degree, while other locations will see even lower altitudes.
Astronomers note that by the time the sun fully sets, the lower edge of the moon's disc will have already dipped below the horizon, leaving no visible crescent to observe. In parts of the western Arabian Peninsula, the moon may set about one minute after sunset, but this brief interval is insufficient for visibility.
Historical and Scholarly Insights on Crescent Sighting
The centre referenced earlier scholarly discussions in Saudi Arabia regarding lunar visibility standards. Saudi astronomer Mulham Hindi, a researcher at King Abdulaziz University, has published data indicating that the moon's altitude on Tuesday will remain below accepted visibility thresholds.
The statement also cited medieval Islamic scholar Ibn Taymiyyah, who wrote that a crescent at a separation of one degree would not be visible, noting that separations of around 20 degrees are typically required for sighting, barring atmospheric obstructions. Astronomers confirm that Tuesday's measurements fall short of both classical juristic and modern astronomical standards for confirmed crescent visibility.
Distinguishing Between Moon and Crescent
The International Astronomical Centre emphasised the important distinction between the moon as a celestial body and the visible crescent that marks the start of an Islamic month. The object present in the sky on Tuesday is the moon, not the crescent, the statement clarified.
While the moon exists daily, the visible hilal appears only after conjunction has passed and when sufficient illumination and separation from the sun allow it to be seen. A Qur'anic verse was cited to underscore that the beginning of Ramadan depends on the visible crescent, not merely the moon's astronomical presence. The solar eclipse visible in parts of southern Africa and Antarctica further confirms that the moon will remain in its new-moon phase.
Implications and Next Steps
Most countries in the Arab and Islamic world are expected to attempt crescent sighting on Tuesday evening. If the crescent is not seen, the month of Sha'ban will complete 30 days, and Ramadan will begin on Thursday, February 19, 2026.
Astronomers noted that while their analysis primarily applies to the Arabian Peninsula and nearby regions, visibility conditions may vary slightly in areas like West Africa or the United States due to geographic differences. For now, experts urge the public to avoid unsafe observation attempts and leave technical sightings to trained professionals equipped with proper safety filters and equipment.
