المملكة: Jeddah Astronomy: The last quarter of Shawwal coincides with the flight of “Artemis 2” around the moon in an exceptional scientific scene
Head explained Jeddah Astronomical Society Engineer Majed Abu Zahra, said that the moon is observed in the last quarter phase of the month of Shawwal after midnight today, Thursday, April 9, 2026, where approximately half of it appears illuminated while the other half sinks into shadow, in an astronomical phase that represents the completion of three-quarters of its orbit around the Earth during the lunar month.
He pointed out that this timing coincides with a prominent scientific event represented by the flight of the Artemis 2 mission crew around the moon, which adds A historical dimension to ground observations, and gives those interested in astronomy a unique opportunity to link direct visual observations with progress in space exploration.
Future missions
Abu Zahra explained that the Artemis 2 mission is the first manned flight within the Artemis program, and aims to send astronauts on a flight around the moon without landing on its surface, while testing the spacecraft’s systems, life support environment, and crew procedures, in preparation for missions. A future opportunity that includes landing and building infrastructure for sustainable exploration.
He added that the last quarter period is one of the best times to observe the lunar surface terrain using binoculars or small telescopes, as mountains and craters appear with remarkable clarity along the line separating the light and dark halves, while the intersection of light and shadows creates a three-dimensional visual effect that makes the observing and photographing experience richer.
An additional opportunity
Drawing Until after midnight, the moon will continue to gradually rise in the sky, becoming high at the beginning of Sunrise on Friday, as it looms against the backdrop of the blue gradient sky of dawn, which provides an additional opportunity to observe using binoculars before it sets at noon local time.
He stressed that following the moon in this phase provides an important educational opportunity to understand its phase cycle, as the gradual change in illumination and shape can be observed during its transition from the last square to the crescent and then the new moon, which helps to understand the dynamics of its movement and the effect of the sun’s rays on its surface, especially with The rare coincidence with a human mission orbiting around it.
Visual pleasure
He explained that these observations are not limited to visual pleasure, but rather represent a practical lesson in astronomy, as they reveal the details of the lunar surface and highlight the differences between its regions, which makes each night’s observation an integrated scientific experience rich in information.
He pointed out that during the coming days the angle between the moon and the sun will gradually decrease, so that the moon will enter the crescent phase at the end of the month, It is observed shortly before sunrise, in preparation for it reaching the position of conjunction, marking the beginning of the month of Dhul-Qi’dah of the year 1447 AH.
In a related context, NASA is working on implementing careful preparations for the return of the Artemis 2 mission to Earth after completing its journey around the moon. These preparations include accurately tracking the vehicle’s path, preparing safe landing sites in the ocean, and ensuring the readiness of rescue and ground support teams, in addition to continuous monitoring of the vehicle’s systems. and the crew, with the aim of ensuring a safe return and collecting scientific data that supports future lunar exploration plans.
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