Kuwait’s Al-Ujairi Scientific Center has released preliminary astronomical calculations regarding the sighting of the Ramadan crescent this year. According to scientific estimates, the lunar conjunction is expected to occur before sunset on February 17, while the moon is projected to set shortly after sunset in Kuwait on the same day.
Based on the center’s data, sunset will occur at 5:38 pm, with the lower edge of the moon setting around that time and the moon fully setting by about 5:39 pm. In Makkah, the moon is expected to set roughly three minutes after sunset, while visibility in other Arab and Islamic countries may be limited.
The center noted that the occurrence of the lunar conjunction before sunset and moonset after sunset meets the astronomical criteria for the start of a new Hijri month. However, it emphasized that the official announcement regarding the beginning of Ramadan will be made by the Sharia authorities and relevant committees after confirmed moon sighting.
