Buraidah, September 14, 2026, SPA -- Saudi Arabia’s skies will witness an astronomical phenomenon tomorrow, as the Moon occults Venus during daylight hours. The phenomenon will be visible from various parts of the Kingdom and most Arab countries.
The Noor Astronomy explained that an occultation occurs when the Moon passes in front of Venus from the perspective of an observer on Earth, temporarily obscuring it from view as the two celestial bodies align along the same line of sight.
Association Chairman Issa Al-Ghufaili said the Moon and Venus will be at an angular distance of approximately 40 degrees from the Sun, allowing the phenomenon to be observed during the day using appropriate astronomical observation equipment. He stressed the need for extreme caution and warned against pointing binoculars, telescopes, or cameras toward the Sun without using approved solar protection equipment.
He noted that the occultation will be visible from northern Saudi Arabia through the central regions to the south, with the start and end times varying depending on the observer’s location. He added that the occultation will be observed from the Noor Astronomy Observatory in Qassim Region at 1:04 p.m. Saudi time and will continue until 2:38 p.m., when Venus will reappear from behind the Moon.