Ammon News - 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