Arar, Safar 7, 1448 AH, corresponding to July 21, 2026 AD, SPA - The first quarter moon of Safar 1448 AH adorned the sky of the Northern Borders region this evening, in a astronomical scene observable with the naked eye after sunset, as half of the moon's disk appeared illuminated, announcing the passage of about a week since the beginning of the lunar month, in one of the most prominent phases of the monthly lunar cycle. The head of the Astronomy and Space Society in the Northern Borders, Zahi Al-Khalwi, 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%, pointing out that this phase is considered one of the best times to observe the lunar surface terrain, as the boundaries between light and shadow regions highlight the details of craters, mountains, and lunar plains more clearly than in other phases. He stated that this astronomical phenomenon provided a suitable opportunity for amateur observers and astrophotographers, especially in the wilderness sites of the Northern Borders region, which are characterized by clear skies and low levels of light pollution, contributing to obtaining clearer and more accurate views. He explained that the moon will continue to increase the illuminated part of its disk in the coming days until it becomes full in the middle of the lunar month, within the natural cycle of the lunar mansions and phases that recur monthly, emphasizing 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. // End // 20:57 T M 0217