The Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission has shared its astronomical assessment for the beginning of Shaaban 1447 AH, indicating that the crescent is most likely to be visible on the evening of January 20, 2026, while sighting it a day earlier would be highly challenging.
According to the analysis, the new moon will be formed at 12:52 am on January 19. By sunset that day, the moon’s age will be approximately 17 hours and 36 minutes. In coastal regions, the gap between sunset and moonset is expected to be around 33 minutes.
Given these conditions, the commission said the chances of observing the crescent with the naked eye on January 19 remain very low.
Based on astronomical calculations, there is a stronger possibility of moon sighting on Tuesday evening, January 20, which will correspond to the 30th of Rajab. If the crescent is not observed earlier, Shaaban is expected to begin on January 21, 2026.
The final and official decision will be announced by the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee after reviewing verified reports from across the country. The central committee is expected to meet on Monday evening, January 19, along with zonal and district-level committees.
SUPARCO also highlighted the launch of the Ruet mobile application by the Ministry of Science and Technology, an initiative aimed at modernizing and improving the moon sighting process.
