The National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) has announced that Nigeria will witness its first astronomical lunar crescent of the year on February 28, 2025. According to Dr. Felix Ale, the Director of Media and Corporate Communications at NASRDA, this event is expected to occur at 1:45 AM West African Time.
Predicted Time and Visibility of the Lunar Crescent
Dr. Ale explained that the lunar crescent is calculated to appear at exactly 1:45 AM. This predicted time, also known as the Crescent Zero Hour, marks when the crescent can be seen under perfect atmospheric conditions with the aid of optical instruments like binoculars or telescopes.
In the evening of February 28, 2025, the crescent will become visible to the naked eye across different locations in Nigeria between 6:17 PM and 7:35 PM. Dr. Ale provided detailed insights into the visibility times for various cities across the country.
City-Specific Visibility Times for the Lunar Crescent
- Maiduguri: The first city to witness the young lunar crescent, visible from 6:17 PM to 6:48 PM.
- Yola, Adamawa State: Crescent visible from 6:21 PM to 6:51 PM.
- Damaturu, Yobe: Crescent visible from 6:22 PM to 6:53 PM.
- Kano, Kastina, Jos, and Kaduna: Crescent visible between 6:38 PM and 7:12 PM.
- Enugu: Crescent visible between 6:42 PM and 7:32 PM, with sunset and moonset at 6:42 PM and 7:18 PM.
- FCT, Abuja: Crescent visible between 6:44 PM and 7:15 PM, with sunset and moonset at 6:44 PM and 7:20 PM.
- Lagos and Abeokuta: The last cities to experience the lunar crescent, visible from 6:59 PM to 7:30 PM.
Dr. Ale emphasized that other cities across the country will experience the lunar crescent at different times within the estimated visibility window of 6:17 PM to 7:35 PM.
Recommendations for Observers
NASRDA has provided recommendations for those planning to observe the lunar crescent. Observers are advised to:
- Use optical aids such as binoculars or telescopes for a clearer view.
- Observe the crescent under clear atmospheric conditions.
- Position themselves in locations with an unobstructed view of the western horizon after sunset.
Dr. Ale added that the scientific report provided precise predictions to ensure accuracy for those who rely on lunar observations for religious, cultural, and scientific purposes.
Significance of the Lunar Crescent
Dr. Bonaventure Okere, the Director of the Centre for Basic Space Science and Astronomy (CBSSA), an activity center of NASRDA, explained that the appearance of the new crescent marks the first stage of the moon. This phenomenon holds significant importance in the Islamic religion as it is used to determine important religious rites and practices, such as the beginning of the Ramadan fast.
Dr. Okere further explained that Islamic religious practices rely on moon phases, while astronomers study the moon’s cycle to determine moon days, which typically span 28 days. “Astronomers use the moon cycle to generate the Lunar Calendar and understand the part of the moon visible on any given day,” he said.
A Call to Researchers and Scholars
NASRDA has encouraged researchers, scholars, and religious groups to utilize the findings of the lunar crescent observation. The agency added that anyone requiring additional data for further analysis can visit the official NASRDA website at www.nasrda.gov.ng.
The observation of the lunar crescent not only serves religious purposes but also has scientific and cultural significance. By providing accurate predictions, NASRDA aims to support various groups who rely on lunar observations for important activities throughout the year.
As Nigeria prepares to witness this significant astronomical event, the importance of clear skies and optimal observation points cannot be overstated for those hoping to catch a glimpse of the first lunar crescent of 2025.
