(MENAFN- Arab Times) Astronomy Researcher Adel Yusuf Al-Marzooq said the holy month of Ramadan this year will most likely start on June 18 and end on July 17 - a total of 30 days, reports Al-Anba daily. Al-Marzooq explained the basic rule in specifying the beginning of Ramadan and Eid is based on the legal texts stipulating conditions for fasting or breaking the fast, particularly the appearance of the crescent moon. He was quick to add though that astronomic calculations are done by humans; hence, there could be inaccuracies.

He disclosed the fasting period on the first day of Ramadan will be 15.36 hours, indicating the Eid crescent moon might be visible this year as the Sun will set at 6:49 pm while the moon will be seen at 6:55 pm, so the moon may be visible for six minutes.