Observation of the Crescent Moon for the Sacred Month of Ramadan
The observation operation for the crescent moon of the sacred month of Ramadan will take place after sunset on Tuesday, 29 Sha'ban 1447 AH (corresponding to February 17, 2026). This observation will occur in five regions of the Republic: Tunis, Le Kef, Kairouan, Tozeur, and Medenine.
Astronomical Data
According to astronomical calculations, the central conjunction between the Sun, Moon, and Earth - marking the astronomical birth of the crescent - will occur on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 13:01 (local time in Tunis, or 12:01 GMT). For Tunisia, the duration of the crescent at sunset on February 17 will be approximately 5 hours and 1 minute only in Tunis.
Visibility and Observation Conditions
Although the crescent will be present in the sky after sunset, it will be extremely close to the horizon:
- Its altitude will be 0.43°.
- Its apparent altitude will be approximately 0.95° for the city of Tunis.
- Its duration above the horizon (the time remaining before it disappears after the sun) will be very short, estimated at only 6 minutes. According to a previous statement from the National Institute of Meteorology (INM), these conditions make the observation of the crescent extremely difficult.
Read Also: Ramadan 1447 H: INM Supervises Observation Operation in Five Districts
