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Rare Daytime Image of Dhul Qadah Crescent Captured

UAE team captures Dhul Qadah crescent in daylight, showcasing rare astronomical expertise.

  • Publish date: Saturday، 18 April 2026 Reading time: two min read
Rare Daytime Image of Dhul Qadah Crescent Captured
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Astronomers at the Al Khatm Astronomical Observatory in Abu Dhabi, part of the International Astronomy Center, have achieved a rare technical feat by capturing an image of the Dhul Qadah crescent in daylight. The sighting marks the start of the 11th month of the Islamic calendar.

Read More: UAE Rolls Out Stricter Hajj Campaign Rules for 2026

The observation took place on Saturday, April 18, at 10am UAE time. At the point of capture, the crescent was positioned 11.7 degrees away from the Sun and was just 16.5 hours old. Such daytime sightings are both uncommon and technically demanding, requiring specialized equipment and favorable atmospheric conditions to discern the faint lunar sliver amid the glare of daylight.

The effort was led by Mohammed Awda along with Khalafan Al-Naimi, Osama Ghannam, and Anas Mohammed, who emphasized the significance of such observations. “It requires clear atmospheric conditions to distinguish the thin lunar sliver against the glare of the morning sky,” the team explained.

Dhul Qadah, also referred to as Dhul Qidah, Dhu Al Qadah, or Dhu Al Qidah, holds profound importance in Islam as one of the four sacred months during which conflict is traditionally avoided. The month also has spiritual significance, serving as a bridge between the festive joy of Eid Al Fitr and the solemn rituals of the Hajj pilgrimage.

As one of the five pillars of Islam, Hajj is considered one of the most significant religious obligations for Muslims. It entails a series of sacred rituals performed in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, and is a journey that every Muslim who is physically and financially able is expected to undertake at least once in their lifetime.

Annually, millions of Muslims gather in Makkah during Dhul Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic calendar, to observe the pilgrimage. This year, Hajj is anticipated to take place between May 25 and June 30, 2026, according to the Gregorian calendar. However, dates may vary slightly depending on the official moon sightings in Saudi Arabia.

Predictions indicate that Dhul Hijjah is expected to begin on Monday, May 18, based on earlier assessments. Official confirmation of the dates will follow closer to the event.

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