First quarter moon illuminates Northern Borders sky in striking celestial display

The first quarter moon of Safar 1448 AH illuminated the skies over the Northern Borders region this evening, creating a striking celestial scene visible to the naked eye after sunset. Half of the moon’s disk appeared lit, indicating that about a week has passed since the start of the lunar month—one of the most notable phases in the moon’s monthly cycle.

Zahi Al-Khalwi, President of the Astronomy and Space Association in the Northern Borders, explained that the first quarter phase occurs when the moon forms an angle of about 90 degrees with the Earth and the sun, so the side facing Earth appears roughly 50 percent illuminated.

Al-Khalwi noted that this phase is among the best times to observe the moon’s surface features, as the boundaries between light and shadow make craters, mountains, and lunar plains stand out more clearly than in other phases.

He added that the phenomenon provided an excellent opportunity for astronomy enthusiasts and astrophotographers, especially in the region’s rural areas, which are known for clear skies and low light pollution—factors that contributed to sharper and more detailed views.

The moon to reach full phase in coming days

Al-Khalwi stated that the illuminated portion of the moon will continue to increase in the coming days, reaching its full phase at mid-month as part of the moon’s natural cycle. He emphasized that such events are not unusual, but help raise astronomical awareness and encourage the community to observe and photograph celestial phenomena for scientific purposes.