Arar, Safar 07, 1448 AH, corresponding to July 21, 2026, SPA — The first quarter moon of the month of Safar 1448 AH adorned the sky of the Northern Borders region this evening, in an astronomical scene visible to the naked eye after sunset, as half of the moon's disk appeared illuminated, marking the passage of about a week since the start of the lunar month, in one of the most prominent phases of the lunar cycle. The head of the Astronomy and Space Society of the Northern Borders, Zahi Al-Khalawi, explained that the first quarter phase occurs when the moon forms an angle of approximately 90 degrees with the Earth and the sun, so that the side facing the Earth appears about 50% illuminated. He pointed out that this phase is considered one of the best times to observe the lunar surface topography, as the boundaries between light and shadow areas highlight details of craters, mountains, and lunar plains more clearly than other phases. He stated that this astronomical phenomenon represented a suitable opportunity for amateur observers and astrophotographers, especially in the wilderness areas of the Northern Borders region, which are characterized by clear skies and low light pollution levels, contributing to clearer and more accurate viewing. He explained that the illuminated portion of the moon's disk will continue to increase over the coming days until it becomes full in the middle of the lunar month, within the natural cycle of the lunar phases that repeat 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