Astronomers have predicted that the Shawwal crescent moon will be unobservable across the Arab and Islamic world on Saturday (29 March) coinciding with a solar eclipse, reports Gulf News.
The partial eclipse, which is the first of the year and the 17th this century, will last around four hours from 0850 GMT to 1243 GMT, reports AFP.
Saudi astronomer Bader Al Omaira stated that the crescent moon will set before the sun, and its conjunction will occur after sunset. This alignment makes it impossible to sight the crescent with the naked eye, telescopes, or any observational tools.
In Saudi Arabia and other Arab and Islamic nations, a confirmed sighting of the Shawwal crescent is required to end Ramadan. As a result, it is anticipated that Ramadan will extend to 30 days, with Eid-ul-Fitr falling on Monday (31 March).
The International Astronomical Centre in Abu Dhabi also confirmed that the Shawwal crescent will be impossible to observe from the eastern hemisphere and the Arab and Islamic regions, regardless of the method used.
If the crescent is not sighted on 29 March, Ramadan will conclude after 30 days, and Eid-ul-Fitr will be observed on 31 March. However, should the crescent be unexpectedly sighted, Eid celebrations will take place on 30 March.
