By Dr. Judhistira Aria Utama, M.Si.
Chair, Centre of Excellence SAINS DATA ASTRONOMI DAN POLUSI CAHAYA (SADAR-POLYA)
As the holy month of Ramadan approaches each year, one familiar question resurfaces across Indonesia: When does 1 Ramadan begin?
The official answer will once again be determined through the Sidang Isbat (Imsyakiah Plenary Meeting) held by the Ministry of Religious Affairs on 29 Sha’aban. Based on astronomical calculations (hisab), the conjunction or New Moon will occur on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 19:01 WIB. At that moment, however, the Moon will set before the Sun across Indonesia, meaning the crescent (hilal) will not yet be visible.
As a result, the date will still be counted as 30 Sha’aban after sunset, and 1 Ramadan is expected to fall on the evening of Wednesday, February 18, with the first fasting day on Thursday, February 19, 2026 pending official confirmation.
In practical terms, this means Muslim communities in Indonesia will likely begin tarawih prayers on the night of February 18, followed by the first day of fasting on February 19.
Meanwhile, the Muhammadiyah community is set to begin Ramadan one day earlier. According to Maklumat No. 2/Mlm/I.0/E/2025 issued by its Central Leadership, Muhammadiyah determines the start of Ramadan as Wednesday, February 18, 2026. This difference stems from distinct interpretations of mathla’ the reference point used to determine crescent visibility.
Two Perspectives on the Crescent: Local vs Global Mathla’
The Ministry of Religious Affairs applies a local mathla’ approach, where the sighting of the crescent is tied to a specific geographic region. In Indonesia, a verified sighting in one location can be applied across the archipelago, sometimes in coordination with neighboring countries such as Brunei Darussalam, Malaysia, and Singapore.
In contrast, Muhammadiyah adopts a global mathla’ principle. Under this approach, once the crescent is visible anywhere on Earth, it is considered valid globally. Using precise astronomical calculations and the Global Calendar Parameter (PKG) which requires a minimum Moon altitude of 5° and elongation of 8° researchers have identified regions meeting these criteria, allowing for a unified global date even without direct observation.
Eclipses During Ramadan: A Rare Celestial Alignment
The same conjunction marking the end of Sha’aban 1447 H also signals the beginning of the 2026 eclipse season. When the Sun, Earth, and Moon align near orbital nodes, eclipses become possible.
The first event is an annular solar eclipse on February 17, 2026. However, it will not be visible from Indonesia.
Two weeks later, on Tuesday, March 3, 2026 (13 Ramadan 1447 H), a Total Lunar Eclipse (Gerhana Bulan Total) will occur offering a spectacular sight fully visible across Indonesia, weather permitting.
In Bandung, the peak of totality will occur around 18:33 WIB, with the event ending at approximately 21:33 WIB. Observers will need a clear eastern horizon, as the Moon will appear relatively low in the sky.
This is not an isolated phenomenon. Recent Ramadans have also featured eclipses:
- 2025: Total Lunar Eclipse (14 Ramadan)
- 2024: Penumbral Lunar Eclipse (15 Ramadan)
- 2023: Total Solar Eclipse (29 Ramadan), visible in parts of Indonesia
Over the period from 2000 to 2100, astronomers estimate:
- 1,274 New Moons
- 1,274 Full Moons
- 453 eclipses, with 217 visible from Indonesia
- Only 19 occurring during Ramadan
These patterns highlight the precision and predictability of the Sun, Earth, Moon system.
Beyond their scientific significance, the crescent Moon and eclipses offer a gateway to cosmic awareness a deeper understanding of humanity’s place in the universe.
From a cosmic perspective, Earth is just a small planet orbiting an ordinary star within the Milky Way, itself one of billions of galaxies. From space, there are no visible borders only one shared planet.
The Total Lunar Eclipse on March 3, 2026 serves as a powerful reminder of this interconnectedness. Just as eclipses require precise alignment, life on Earth depends on delicate, interdependent systems. The same atmosphere that gives the Moon its reddish hue during an eclipse is also what protects life on Earth.
This awareness aligns closely with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly:
- SDG 4 (Quality Education)
- SDG 13 (Climate Action)
Astronomy plays a unique role in advancing these goals. As an observational science, it naturally sparks curiosity and critical thinking. Questions like “Why does the Moon turn red?” or “Why don’t eclipses happen every month?” open the door to scientific inquiry.
Importantly, astronomy is also inclusive. Observing a lunar eclipse requires no advanced equipment, only a clear sky and curiosity. It is a form of accessible, universal education.
During Ramadan 1447 H, the night sky becomes both a spiritual and intellectual classroom. From the subtle emergence of the crescent Moon to the dramatic total lunar eclipse, the cosmos offers a living lesson in order, balance, and reflection.
Looking up at the sky is more than observing celestial events, it is an invitation to rediscover the harmony of the universe and our responsibility within it.
From this awareness, wisdom may grow: the wisdom to care for our shared home planet Earth.
May this holy month bring not only spiritual blessings, but also a deeper sense of cosmic awareness.