Amman, June 29 (Petra) — Jordan’s skies will be illuminated by the
Muharram Full Moon early Tuesday, marking the first full moon after
the summer solstice and offering a distinctive astronomical event for
skywatchers across the Kingdom, according to the Jordanian
Astronomical Society.

Society President Ammar Al Sakaji said the full moon will reach peak
illumination at 2:57 a.m. (Jordan time) while positioned in the
constellation Sagittarius. It will be visible to the naked eye in the
southwestern sky at an elevation of about 22 degrees, approximately
402,843 kilometres from Earth, with an apparent diameter of 29.7
arcminutes.

He noted that the Muharram Full Moon is the first full moon of the
1448 Hijri year. Rising near sunset and setting close to sunrise, it
will remain visible throughout the night and reach its highest point
above the horizon at 12:36 a.m.

Al Sakaji said the moon may appear orange or reddish near the horizon
because of atmospheric effects and may also appear larger due to the
optical phenomenon known as the “Moon Illusion,” although its actual
size remains unchanged.

He added that the event offers favourable conditions for astronomy
enthusiasts and astrophotographers to capture images of the full moon
alongside Jordan’s archaeological, tourist and natural landmarks.

Al Sakaji also noted that Tuesday coincides with International
Asteroid Day, observed annually following its designation by the
United Nations General Assembly in 2016 to raise awareness of
asteroids and planetary defence, while commemorating the 1908
Tunguska event.

To mark the occasion, the Jordanian Astronomical Society, in
cooperation with several astronomical and space institutions across
the Arab world, will organise a regional astronomy symposium bringing
together experts and researchers from across the region.

//Petra// RZ