Bahraini astronomer Ali Al-Hajri has made an exciting announcement regarding a partial lunar eclipse that will occur in the Kingdom on September 18, 2024. This eclipse will take place during the full moon of Rabi’ al-Awwal and will be visible for 22 minutes, starting from 5:05am to 5:27am. Approximately 3.22% of the moon’s surface will be eclipsed at moonset, offering a stunning celestial event for those in Bahrain to witness.
In addition to the lunar eclipse, Al-Hajri revealed that on August 4, 2024, the moon will be in conjunction with the sun at 3:26pm local time. This event holds significance for the Islamic calendar, particularly in determining the start of the month of Safar 1446 AH. The beginning of Safar is expected to be observed on either August 5 or 6, 2024, depending on the method of calculation used by individuals.
For those interested in spotting the crescent moon marking the start of Safar, Al-Hajri suggested that it may be visible on the evening of August 5. However, he warned that observation conditions could be challenging. With the moon being 26 hours and 55 minutes old at sunset on August 5, the crescent will only remain visible for approximately 51 minutes, boasting an illumination of 1.28% and a thickness of 23 arc seconds. Success in observing the crescent moon will heavily rely on weather conditions on that evening.
Al-Hajri emphasized that there may be a discrepancy in the observation of Safar’s start date among those following astronomical calendars versus visual sighting calendars. While some may mark August 5 as the beginning of Safar, others adhering to visual sighting methods might opt for August 6. This underscores the importance of different methods of calculation and observation in determining significant dates in the Islamic calendar.
With the anticipation of these celestial events, Bahrainis can look forward to witnessing the mesmerizing display of the lunar eclipse on September 18, 2024, as well as engaging in the traditional practice of observing the crescent moon to mark the start of Safar. The announcements made by Al-Hajri serve to bring attention to the intricate workings of the cosmos and the cultural significance attached to astronomical events in the Kingdom of Bahrain. As the dates approach, individuals are encouraged to stay informed and prepare for these celestial occurrences, making them a part of their cultural and spiritual observances.
