The first quarter moon of Safar 1448 AH lit up the sky of the Northern Border 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, marking one of the most prominent phases of the monthly lunar cycle.

Head of the Northern Border Astronomy and Space Society, Zahi Al-Khalili, explained that the first quarter phase occurs when the moon forms an angle of approximately 90 degrees with the Earth and the sun, causing the side facing Earth to appear about 50% illuminated.

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

He added that the phenomenon provided a suitable opportunity for astronomy enthusiasts and astrophotographers, especially in remote areas of the Northern Border region, which are characterized by clear skies and low levels of light pollution, contributing to more accurate and clearer views.

The moon continues its completion in the coming days

Al-Khalili explained that the moon will continue to increase its illuminated portion in the coming days until it becomes full in the middle of the lunar month, as part of the natural cycle of lunar phases. He affirmed 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.

Discuss the news with artificial intelligence