The National Space Research and Development Agency has announced that Nigeria will likely witness its first astronomical lunar crescent of the year on February 28, 2025.
According to The PUNCH, NASRDA’s Director of Media and Corporate Communications, Dr. Felix Ale, said the lunar crescent is expected to occur at precisely 1:45 a.m. West African Time, a moment referred to as the “Crescent Zero Hour.”
“This is the point at which the crescent could be detected under ideal atmospheric conditions using optical instruments such as binoculars or telescopes,” Ale explained.
However, he noted that the crescent would only become visible to the naked eye in the evening, between 6:17 p.m. and 7:35 p.m., depending on location.
Ale provided a breakdown of when different cities across Nigeria would experience the lunar sighting.
“Maiduguri will be the first city to witness the young lunar crescent from 6:17 p.m. to 6:48 p.m., followed by Yola at 6:21 p.m. to 6:51 p.m.,” he stated.
“Other cities, including Damaturu, Kano, Katsina, Jos, and Kaduna, will observe the crescent between 6:22 p.m. and 7:12 p.m.,” he added.
According to the space agency, Enugu will experience the phenomenon between 6:42 p.m. and 7:32 p.m., while the Federal Capital Territory is expected to see it between 6:44 p.m. and 7:15 p.m.
The final locations to witness the event will be Lagos and Abeokuta, where the crescent will appear between 6:59 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
To ensure clear visibility, NASRDA advised observers to use optical aids where necessary and to position themselves in areas with an unobstructed view of the western horizon after sunset.
“For a clear sighting, observers should look out under clear atmospheric conditions and avoid locations with obstructions,” Ale advised.
The agency encouraged scholars, researchers, and religious groups to utilize its scientific findings, adding that additional data for further analysis is available on its official website, www.nasrda.gov.ng.
Dr. Bonaventure Okere, Director of the Centre for Basic Space Science and Astronomy, emphasized the importance of the crescent’s appearance, particularly in Islamic practices.
“This phase marks the first stage of the moon and plays a crucial role in Islamic rites such as determining the beginning of Ramadan fasting,” Okere noted.
He further explained that astronomers study the moon’s cycle, which lasts approximately 28 days, to develop lunar calendars and track the moon’s daily visibility.
“The Islamic religion relies on moon phases for its rites, but astronomers use them to determine moon days and understand the different parts of the moon visible each day,” he added.
NASRDA reaffirmed its commitment to providing accurate scientific data on celestial events, ensuring that both researchers and the general public have reliable information for cultural, religious, and scientific purposes.
