The first quarter moon of Safar 1448 adorned the sky of the Northern Border region on Tuesday evening, in an astronomical scene visible to the naked eye after sunset, as half of the moon's disk appeared illuminated, announcing the passage of about a week since the start 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 that the side facing the Earth appears illuminated by about 50%.

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

An opportunity for observation and photography enthusiasts

Al-Khalili stated that this astronomical phenomenon represented a suitable opportunity for astronomy observation and photography enthusiasts, especially in the wilderness areas 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 clarified 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 moon's phases and mansions that recur monthly. He emphasized 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.