The first quarter moon of the month of Safar 1448 AH illuminated the sky of the Northern Borders region this evening, in a striking astronomical scene visible to the naked eye after sunset. Half of the moon's disk appeared illuminated, indicating that about a week has passed since the beginning of the lunar month, in one of the most prominent phases of the monthly lunar cycle.

Zahi Al-Khalili, head of the Astronomy and Space Society in the Northern Borders, explained that the first quarter phase occurs when the moon forms an angle of approximately 90 degrees with the Earth and the sun, so the side facing the Earth appears illuminated by about 50%.

Al-Khalili pointed out that this phase is one of the best times to observe details of the lunar surface's terrain, as the boundaries between light and shadow areas highlight the features of craters, mountains, and lunar plains more clearly than in other phases.

He added that the phenomenon provided a suitable opportunity for amateur astronomers and astrophotographers, especially in the wilderness locations of the Northern Borders, which are characterized by clear skies and low levels of light pollution, contributing to obtaining more accurate and clearer views.

The Moon Continues Its Fullness in the Coming Days

Al-Khalili explained that the moon will continue to increase the illuminated portion of its disk in the coming days until it becomes full at the middle of the lunar month, as part of the natural cycle of lunar phases. He confirmed that these phenomena are not exceptional events, but rather contribute to enhancing astronomical awareness and encouraging the community to follow celestial phenomena and benefit from them in scientific observation and photography.

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