The National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) has announced that Nigeria will witness its first astronomical lunar crescent of the year on 28 February 2025.
Dr Felix Ale, Director of Media and Corporate Communications at NASRDA, confirmed the development in a statement on Saturday. He explained that the lunar crescent is expected to occur at 1:45 a.m. West African Time (WAT), a moment referred to as Crescent Zero Hour. While it may only be seen using binoculars or telescopes under optimal atmospheric conditions, it will become visible to the naked eye later in the evening.
The lunar crescent will be visible across various locations in Nigeria between 6:17 p.m. and 7:35 p.m. on 28 February.
Maiduguri will be the first city to observe it, from 6:17 p.m. to 6:48 p.m., followed by Yola (6:21 p.m. to 6:51 p.m.) and Damaturu (6:22 p.m. to 6:53 p.m.). Other cities, including Kano, Katsina, Jos, and Kaduna, will see the crescent between 6:38 p.m. and 7:12 p.m.
In Enugu, it will be visible from 6:42 p.m. to 7:32 p.m., while the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) will witness it from 6:44 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. Lagos and Abeokuta will be the last major cities to see the crescent, from 6:59 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Ale urged observers to use optical aids where necessary and seek locations with an unobstructed view of the western horizon after sunset for the best viewing experience.
Dr Bonaventure Okere, Director of the Centre for Basic Space Science and Astronomy (CBSSA), highlighted that the lunar crescent marks the first stage of the moon’s cycle. He emphasised its importance in Islamic traditions, where it determines the start of Ramadan and other religious observances.
“The Islamic faith uses moon phases to mark religious events, while astronomers study the moon’s rising and setting cycles to determine lunar days, which typically last 28 days,” Okere explained.
NASRDA encouraged researchers, scholars, and religious groups to utilise its lunar predictions for their observations. Anyone seeking further analysis can visit the agency’s official website: www.nasrda.gov.ng.
This astronomical event serves as a significant moment for both scientific research and cultural observances in Nigeria.
