RIYADH, 10 October 2004 — A Saudi astronomer said here that Friday, Oct. 15, will be the first day of the holy month of Ramadan.
Dr. Zaki Abdul Rahman Al-Mostafa, head of the Astronomy Department and Assistant Director of the Institute of Astronomical and Geophysical Research at King Abdul Aziz City for Science & Technology (KACST), said “Oct. 15 should be the first day of Ramadan according to a forecast made by our department”.
Al-Mostafa also said a total lunar eclipse will take place on Oct. 28 and it can be viewed from any part of the Kingdom between 4.40 a.m. and 7.54 a.m. The celestial spectacle will be visible across the Middle East, Asia and many other parts of the globe.
“KACST has been involved in different astronomical study and research programs besides hosting local enthusiasts to view and understand the astronomical events from time to time,” Al-Mostafa said, adding that the lunar eclipse on Oct. 28 will offer another opportunity to study a natural phenomenon. This eclipse, he said, will offer a better view to watchers in the Kingdom.
“Unlike solar eclipses, this lunar eclipse is completely safe to watch,” he said. “If one has a pair of binoculars, they will help magnify the view and will make the red coloration brighter and easier to see,” he added.
He said a partial solar eclipse on Oct. 14 will not be seen in Saudi Arabia.
