Full moon lights up Saudi skies in striking astronomical event

The skies over Saudi Arabia were illuminated on Monday as the full moon of the Islamic month of Rabi Al-Akhir reached its peak, creating a striking astronomical event that drew the attention of enthusiasts and astrophotographers alike.

Zahi Al-Khalwi, president of the Space and Astronomy Association, explained that the moon appeared in its complete full phase today, with an illumination of 98.78 percent, positioned 387,145.29 kilometers from Earth.

Al-Khalwi added that the moon's brightness would increase by the end of the day to reach 99.42 percent, while the distance between the moon and Earth would decrease to 385,598.67 kilometers.

He noted that witnessing the full moon in this phase is among the most prominent monthly astronomical phenomena visible to the naked eye, offering a unique opportunity for observation and photography as the moon rises at sunset and remains visible until sunrise the following day.