The first quarter moon of the month of Safar 1448 adorned the sky of the Northern Borders region on Tuesday evening, presenting a celestial scene visible to the naked eye after sunset, with half of the moon's disk illuminated, marking about a week since the start of the lunar month, in one of the most prominent phases of the monthly lunar cycle.

Zahi Al-Khalawi, head of the Astronomy and Space Association 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 about 50% illuminated.

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He noted that this phase is considered one of the best times to observe the lunar surface terrain, as the boundaries between light and shadow highlight details of craters, mountains, and lunar plains more clearly than other phases.

Opportunity for Observers and Photographers

Al-Khalawi said that this astronomical phenomenon provided a suitable opportunity for amateur observers and astrophotographers, especially in wilderness areas of the Northern Borders region, which are characterized by clear skies and low levels of light pollution, helping to obtain clearer and more precise views.

He 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 that repeat monthly.

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.