The first quarter moon of the month of Safar 1448 AH was observed in the sky of the Northern Borders region in a striking astronomical scene visible to the naked eye after sunset, as half of the moon's disk appeared illuminated, marking the passage of a week since the beginning of the lunar month, among the most prominent phases of the moon's monthly cycle.

The first quarter phase occurs when an angle of approximately 90 degrees forms between the moon, Earth, and sun.

The head of the Astronomy and Space Association in the Northern Borders, Zahy Al-Khalawi, explained that the first quarter phase occurs when an angle of about 90 degrees forms between the moon, Earth, and sun, so the side facing Earth is illuminated by about 50%, pointing out that this phase is one of the best times to observe the moon's topography clearly due to the contrast of light and shadow areas.

He added that the clarity of the region's atmosphere and low light pollution provided an ideal opportunity for astronomy enthusiasts and astrophotographers to capture precise images of the moon, as the moon will continue to increase its illumination over the coming days until it becomes a full moon in the middle of the lunar month.

Al-Khalawi affirmed that these phenomena are part of the natural cycle of the moon's phases, and they contribute to enhancing astronomical awareness and encouraging the community to follow celestial phenomena and benefit from them in scientific observation and photography.