SUPARCO Announces Likely Date for Shaaban Moon Sighting

The Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) has released its astronomical outlook for the start of Shaaban 1447 AH, saying the crescent is more likely to be sighted on the evening of January 20, 2026, while visibility on January 19 is expected to be extremely difficult.

According to the forecast, the new moon will be born at 12:52 AM on January 19, 2026. SUPARCO noted that at sunset on January 19, the moon’s age will be around 17 hours and 36 minutes, and in coastal areas the window between sunset and moonset is expected to be about 33 minutes.

Due to these conditions, the probability of spotting the crescent with the naked eye on January 19 remains visibly low.

Based on the calculations, SUPARCO said there is a chance of sighting the moon on Tuesday evening, January 20 which will fall on the 30th of Rajab. If the crescent is not confirmed earlier, the first day of Shaaban is expected to be January 21, 2026.

The final and official announcement, however, will be made by the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, which confirms the start of Islamic months after assessing verified testimonies from across the country. A meeting of the central committee is expected on Monday evening, January 19, alongside sessions of zonal and district committees.

SUPARCO also pointed to the introduction of the Ruet mobile application by the Ministry of Science and Technology, aimed at improving and modernizing the moon sighting process.