The National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) has announced that Nigeria will observe its first astronomical lunar crescent on February 28.
Felix Ale, the agency’s Director of Media and Corporate Communications, shared this information in a statement released on Saturday. He explained that the lunar crescent is expected to be visible at 1:45 am West African Time (WAT).
During this “crescent zero hour,” the crescent will be detectable under optimal atmospheric conditions, particularly with the assistance of optical devices like 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, depending on the location in Nigeria,” he stated.
Maiduguri is predicted to be the first city to view the young lunar crescent, from 6:17 pm to 6:48 pm, followed by Yola, Adamawa state, from 6:21 pm to 6:51 pm. Damaturu in Yobe is expected to witness the crescent from 6:22 pm to 6:53 pm, while cities like Kano, Katsina, Jos, and Kaduna will have visibility between 6:38 pm and 7:12 pm.
The timings for sunset and moonset will differ as well: for example, in Maiduguri, the sunset and moonset are expected between 6:35 pm and 7:12 pm, while in Enugu, they will occur around 6:42 pm and 7:18 pm.
In the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the lunar crescent is forecasted to be visible between 6:44 pm and 7:15 pm, coinciding with sunset and moonset at approximately 6:44 pm and 7:20 pm.
The last cities to observe the lunar crescent will be Lagos and Abeokuta, where it is expected to be seen between 6:59 pm and 7:30 pm.
Other parts of the country will also be able to view the lunar crescent at varying times within the overall visibility window of 6:17 pm to 7:35 pm on that day.
Ale emphasized that the scientific report provides specific predictions for the visibility of the lunar crescent at different locations across Nigeria. This information is especially valuable for individuals relying on lunar observations for religious, cultural, and scientific purposes.
The space agency has encouraged researchers, scholars, and religious groups to take advantage of these findings and mentioned that further information is available on their official website at www.nasrda.gov.ng.
