Monday 09/February/2026 – 05:14 AM
The moon is observed in the last quarter phase of the month of Shaban after midnight today, where it appears illuminated by about half of its disk, while the other half disappears in shadow, indicating that it has completed three-quarters of its orbit around the Earth.
The moon is in the last quarter phase of Shaaban, decorating the sky of the Arab world before welcoming Ramadan
According to the Astronomical Society in Jeddah, this phase is considered one of the best times for astronomy and photography enthusiasts, as it allows observing fine details of the moon’s surface, such as craters and mountainous heights, in addition to following the gradual change in lighting intensity as the end of the lunar month approaches.
As the days pass, the moon’s illumination begins to gradually decline, appearing as a thin crescent before sunrise, reaching the new moon phase on February 17, marking preparation to welcome the blessed month of Ramadan.
Observing the moon in this phase also provides an important opportunity to understand the cycle of its phases in a practical way, from the last quarter through the crescent and then the new moon, which helps to understand its movement and change of shape in the sky. Watching the moon is not limited to visual pleasure only, but rather represents a living lesson in astronomy, explaining how sunlight interacts with the surface of the moon, and how the different angles of illumination contribute to highlighting the terrain and determining its successive phases, which makes every night of observation a rich scientific experience.
