The National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) announced that Nigeria is set to witness its first astronomical lunar crescent on February 28.
Dr. Felix Ale, the Director of Media and Corporate Communications at NASRDA, made this statement on Saturday.
He indicated that the lunar crescent is calculated to occur at 1:45 A.M. West African Time (WAT).
Dr. Ale predicted that during the Crescent Zero hour at 1:45 a.m., the crescent could be viewed under optimal atmospheric conditions using optical instruments such as binoculars or telescopes.
“The crescent will become visible to the naked eye on the evening of Friday, February 28, 2025, between 6:17 PM and 7:35 PM across various locations in Nigeria.
“Maiduguri will be the first city to observe the young lunar crescent from 6:17 PM to 6:48 PM, followed by Yola in Adamawa State from 6:21 PM to 6:51 PM.
“Damaturu in Yobe will follow from 6:22 PM to 6:53 PM; while Kano, Katsina, Jos, and Kaduna can expect to see the first lunar crescent between 6:38 PM and 7:12 PM.
“The sunset and moonset will occur between 6:35 PM and 7:12 PM, 6:38 PM and 7:15 PM, 6:35 PM and 7:11 PM, and 6:40 PM and 7:17 PM, respectively.
“Enugu is anticipated to experience the lunar crescent between 6:42 PM and 7:32 PM, with sunset and moonset occurring at about 6:42 PM and 7:18 PM,” he stated.
He forecasted that the first lunar crescent would appear in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) between 6:44 PM and 7:15 PM, with sunset and moonset at approximately 6:44 PM and 7:20 PM.
According to Dr. Ale, the last cities to see the lunar crescent will be Lagos and Abeokuta, between 6:59 PM and 7:30 PM.
Dr. Ale emphasized that other cities across Nigeria will experience the lunar crescent at different times within the predicted visibility window of 6:17 PM and 7:35 PM on the same day.
He advised, “For a clear sighting of the first lunar crescent, observers should utilize optical aids when necessary and observe under clear atmospheric conditions.
“Observers are encouraged to find locations with an unobstructed view of the western horizon after sunset,” he added.
Dr. Ale also mentioned that the scientific report provided precise predictions regarding the lunar crescent across various locations in Nigeria.
According to him, this report ensures the accuracy of lunar observations for those who depend on them for religious, cultural, and scientific purposes.
The space agency urged researchers, scholars, and religious groups to utilize these findings. Additionally, anyone seeking further information for analysis can visit the official NASRDA website at www.nasrda.gov.ng.
Dr. Bonaventure Okere, Director of the Centre for Basic Space Science and Astronomy (CBSSA), an activity center of NASRDA, remarked that this event marks the first stage of the moon, hence the new crescent.
Dr. Okere noted that the appearance of the new crescent holds significant importance in the Islamic religion, as it determines the commencement of specific rites and practices, such as the fasting period of Ramadan.
“The Islamic faith utilizes moon phases for their rituals, while astronomers study the cycle of the moon’s rising and setting to ascertain moon days, which typically last 28 days.
“Astronomers rely on the moon cycle to construct the Lunar calendar and to comprehend the visible portions of the moon daily,” he concluded.
