Nigeria is gearing up for a celestial spectacle as the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) predicts the country’s first astronomical lunar crescent sighting on February 28, 2025.
Dr. Felix Ale, Director of Media and Corporate Communications at NASRDA, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday, revealing that the lunar crescent is expected to occur at precisely 1:45 A.M. West African Time (WAT).
“At 1:45 A.M., also known as the Crescent Zero Hour, the new moon can be detected with optical instruments such as binoculars or telescopes under perfect atmospheric conditions,” Ale explained.
However, for the naked eye, the crescent will become visible in the evening between 6:17 PM and 7:35 PM across different locations in Nigeria.
- Maiduguri will be the first city to witness the young lunar crescent from 6:17 PM to 6:48 PM, followed by Yola (6:21 PM – 6:51 PM) and Damaturu (6:22 PM – 6:53 PM).
- Kano, Katsina, Jos, and Kaduna will experience it between 6:38 PM and 7:12 PM.
- Enugu will see the crescent between 6:42 PM and 7:32 PM, while the FCT (Abuja) will experience it between 6:44 PM and 7:15 PM.
- The last cities to witness the phenomenon will be Lagos and Abeokuta between 6:59 PM and 7:30 PM.
NASRDA urged observers to use optical aids where necessary and ensure they are in clear, unobstructed locations facing the western horizon after sunset.
Dr. Bonaventure Okere, Director of the Centre for Basic Space Science and Astronomy (CBSSA), emphasized the significance of the new crescent, particularly for Islamic rites such as Ramadan fasting.
“The Islamic religion relies on moon phases for determining religious rites, while astronomers track the moon’s cycle to generate the lunar calendar,” Okere stated.
NASRDA encouraged researchers, scholars, and religious groups to utilize their findings and visit www.nasrda.gov.ngfor additional data.
With this precise prediction, Nigerians can anticipate a celestial event that holds both scientific and cultural significance.
