With the approach of Ramadan 2026 to its end, there are speculations by astronomical professionals that Muslims globally will have a full 30 days of fasting this year. The International Astronomical Centre (IAC) has reported that the crescent moon (which indicates the end of Ramadan) is unlikely to be visible to the naked eye on Thursday, thus making it very likely that Eid Al Fitr will be a day later than others had anticipated.

Moon sightings are important in the determination of the end of Ramadan and the commencement of Eid al-Fitr, which is one of the main events in the Islamic calendar. According to the existing astronomical calculations, the conditions of observing the new moon will be very harsh in most parts of the Islamic world.

Crescent moon sighting in Islamic world to be difficult on Thursday

The new moon has been said by astronomers to rise very soon after the sun, and thus, it will have little time to be seen. Also, the moon will be very slim and placed low on the horizon, making it very hard to see.

Due to these reasons, the IAC reports that the crescent moon will be hardly visible with the naked eye on Thursday evening in most areas, including the Middle East and South Asia. This implies that most countries can thus take the entire 30 days of Ramadan and then proceed to celebrate Eid Al Fitr.

Visibility possible with a telescope on March 19

Although naked-eye observation might be impossible on Thursday, experts indicate that the crescent moon might be seen in certain parts of the world with telescopes on March 19.

Astronomical equipment increases the probabilities of detection since the telescopes can view the faint light of the extremely thin crescent moon that would not otherwise be seen by the human eye.

Nonetheless, even the observations by the telescopes are not always very easy under the influence of the atmosphere and the place where the observer can be.

Eid Al Fitr 2026 in UAE, Saudi Arabia announced

The governments of various nations tend to integrate astronomy forecasts with official moon observation boards in order to calculate the feast of Eid.

When the moon fails to be seen on Thursday evening, Ramadan will be serving 30 days, and Eid Al Fitr will be expected on Friday, March 20, 2026, in some countries, including the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

Nevertheless, it takes an official sighting of the moon by religious figures who most often verify final confirmation.