Nigerians are poised to witness the first astronomical lunar crescent of 2025 on February 28, according to the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA). The announcement, detailed in a statement released Saturday by Dr. Felix Ale, Director of Media and Corporate Communications, offers precise predictions for this celestial event, which holds significance for scientific, cultural, and religious observers across the country.
Dr. Ale revealed that the lunar crescent is calculated to emerge at 1:45 a.m. West African Time, known as the Crescent Zero hour, when it could be glimpsed under ideal atmospheric conditions using optical aids like binoculars or telescopes. For the naked eye, however, the spectacle will unfold later that day. “The crescent will become visible to the naked eye in the evening of Friday 28th 2025 between 6:17 PM and 7:35 PM across different locations in Nigeria,” Ale stated, outlining a visibility window that varies by region.
The agency’s forecast pinpoints Maiduguri as the first city to catch sight of the young crescent, from 6:17 p.m. to 6:48 p.m., followed closely by Yola in Adamawa State, from 6:21 p.m. to 6:51 p.m. Other northern cities like Damaturu, Kano, Katsina, Jos, and Kaduna will experience the event between 6:38 p.m. and 7:12 p.m., with sunset and moonset times ranging accordingly. In the Federal Capital Territory, residents can expect the crescent between 6:44 p.m. and 7:15 p.m., while southern hubs like Enugu (6:42 p.m. to 7:32 p.m.), Lagos, and Abeokuta (6:59 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.) will be among the last to witness it. “Other cities across the federation will experience the lunar crescent at different times within the estimated visibility window of 6:17pm and 7:35pm on same day,” Ale added.
For optimal viewing, NASRDA advises observers to use optical aids where needed and position themselves with a clear view of the western horizon after sunset under unobstructed skies. “For a clear sighting of the first lunar crescent, observers are to use optical aids where necessary, observe under clear atmospheric conditions,” Ale instructed, emphasizing the importance of preparation for this fleeting phenomenon.
The report’s precision, Ale noted, serves diverse audiences relying on lunar observations, from religious communities to researchers. This significance was echoed by Dr. Bonaventure Okere, Director of the Centre for Basic Space Science and Astronomy (CBSSA), a NASRDA affiliate. “The Islamic religion use moon phases for their Islamic rites but astronomers study the cycle of the rising and setting of the moon to determine moon days which is usually 28 days,” Okere explained. “Astronomers use the moon cycle to generate Lunar calendar, understand the part of the moon you can see daily.” He highlighted the crescent’s role in marking the start of Ramadan, a key Islamic practice, alongside its utility in astronomical studies.
NASRDA’s findings, available on its official website (www.nasrda.gov.ng), invite scholars, religious groups, and enthusiasts to delve deeper into the data. As February 28 approaches, the agency’s predictions set the stage for a nationwide moment of skyward reflection, blending science with tradition in Nigeria’s diverse cultural tapestry.