A clear image of the crescent moon signaling the approaching end of Ramadan was taken in Abu Dhabi on Friday, according to the International Astronomical Center.
Captured at midday by the Al Khatim Astronomical Observatory, the crescent—known as the hilal—was photographed at a solar elongation of 16 degrees, meaning it appeared 16 degrees away from the sun. The sighting took place under daylight conditions as part of the center’s regular sky monitoring.
Despite the successful imaging, the center clarified that this does not confirm the moon’s visibility to the naked eye, nor does it determine the official date for Eid Al Fitr.
Regional moon sighting committees are set to convene on Saturday evening to make the final call on whether Eid will begin on Sunday, depending on local visibility.
