Shawwal Crescent to Be Born March 19, Says Astronomer, Links Eid Al Fitr with Start of Spring

A rare astronomical alignment is expected this year as Eid Al Fitr 1447 AH coincides with the spring equinox, according to Bahraini astronomer Mohammed Redha Al Asfoor.

Al Asfoor explained that based on astronomical calculations, the crescent moon marking the beginning of Shawwal 1447 AH will be born on Thursday, March 19, 2026, at 4:23 am Bahrain time.

He noted that on the evening of March 19, the sun will set at 5:48 pm, while the new crescent will appear at an altitude of approximately 5.8 degrees and set at 6:18 pm, remaining visible for about 30 minutes after sunset. At that time, the moon’s illumination will be around 0.5%, with an elongation angle of 6.7 degrees.

Al Asfoor added that on Friday, March 20, the crescent will remain in the sky for about one hour and 33 minutes after sunset, with illumination increasing to 3.2%, making it clearly visible if weather conditions are favourable.

He also pointed out that the spring equinox in the Northern Hemisphere will occur on Friday, March 20, 2026, at 5:46 pm Bahrain time, when day and night become nearly equal in length. The actual equal duration of day and night, however, falls on Monday, March 16, 2026.

According to Al Asfoor, the spring season will last 92 days, 17 hours, and 38 minutes in the Northern Hemisphere, while the autumn season begins simultaneously in the Southern Hemisphere.

Al Asfoor also extended his congratulations to Bahrain’s leadership and citizens on the occasion of Eid Al Fitr, wishing continued prosperity, security, and blessings for the Kingdom and its people.