Full “Mini Moon” of Shawwal Illuminates Arab Skies in Rare Astronomical Event

Jeddah, April 13, 2025 – Saudi Arabia Breaking News - The Arab world witnessed a striking celestial event on Saturday evening as the full moon for the month of Shawwal appeared in the night sky, coinciding with its unique classification as the first full moon following the spring equinox.

According to Eng. Majed Abu Zahrah, President of the Jeddah Astronomy Society, the moon was visible shortly after sunset rising from the southeastern horizon. Due to an optical phenomenon known as the “moon illusion,” the moon appeared unusually large to the naked eye, especially near the horizon. Abu Zahrah added that many observers may have noticed the moon displaying shades of orange or pink, a result of the atmosphere’s influence on the light it reflects.

Saturday’s full moon was further distinguished as a “mini moon”—a term used when a full moon occurs at or near the apogee, its farthest point from Earth. This positioning makes the moon appear smaller and dimmer than usual, in contrast to the more familiar “super moon,” which occurs when the moon is at its closest approach.

The full moon reached its peak at 3:22 a.m. on Sunday, Makkah time, when it was directly opposite the sun. The rare alignment offered astronomers and sky watchers across the region an opportunity to observe the phenomenon under clear spring skies.

The Jeddah Astronomy Society noted that events like this serve to deepen public interest in astronomical sciences and enhance awareness of the natural phenomena observable throughout the lunar calendar.