International Astronomical Center Declares Ramadan Begins Thursday, February 19
The International Astronomical Center has officially declared that the holy month of Ramadan will commence on Thursday, February 19, 2026, for most countries. This determination is based on scientific observations and calculations regarding the visibility of the crescent moon.
Details of Crescent Visibility
On February 17, 2026, the crescent moon will not be visible due to several factors affecting its sighting. The primary reason is that the moon will set before the sun in many regions across the Islamic world. Consequently, Tuesday will be the last day of Sha‘ban for most countries, leading to the commencement of Ramadan the following day.
Moonset Times on February 17, 2026
- Jakarta: Moon sets 6 minutes before sunset.
- United Arab Emirates: Moon sets 1 minute before sunset.
- Riyadh: Moon’s lower limb sets 42 seconds before sunset.
- Tabuk: Moon sets exactly at sunset.
- Amman: Similar to Tabuk.
- Cairo: Moon sets 2 minutes after sunset.
- Algiers: Moon sets 6 minutes after sunset.
In all these locations, local conditions will not allow for the crescent sighting by any optical means. The angular separation between the moon and the sun will prove too small for detection.
Scientific Observations and Criteria
Proved criteria from various astronomers indicate that all methods for crescent sighting will fail on February 17. The calculations based on the Danjon limit show that visibility becomes impossible when angular separation is below 7 degrees. In 2026, it will be about 2 degrees.
Moreover, an annular solar eclipse will occur on the same day, further preventing any possibility of sighting the crescent. Historical data also support that such thin crescents have never been seen under similar conditions.
Countries with Alternative Calculations
Some countries, such as Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Iran, may start Ramadan on Wednesday, February 18. For these nations, the first day of Ramadan could either be February 19 or February 20, depending on their moon sighting outcomes.
Crescent Sighting on February 18, 2026
Conditions will be markedly better for crescent sightings on February 18 due to the moon’s enhancement in visibility. Below are the calculated moonset times:
- Jakarta: Moon sets 40 minutes after sunset; age 21 hours 55 minutes.
- Abu Dhabi: Moon sets 58 minutes after sunset; age 24 hours 29 minutes.
- Makkah: Moon sets 59 minutes after sunset; age 25 hours 37 minutes.
- Amman and Jerusalem: Moon sets 65 minutes after sunset; age 25 hours 51 minutes.
- Cairo: Moon sets 64 minutes after sunset; age 26 hours 11 minutes.
- Rabat: Moon sets 73 minutes after sunset; age 29 hours 53 minutes.
Conclusion
The moon’s visibility on February 18 suggests that observers in several regions will likely witness the crescent, marking the official beginning of Ramadan. This highlights the importance of precise astronomical calculations in determining the holy month timeline.
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