SUPARCO predicts low chance of Muharram moon sighting on June 15

KARACHI: The Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) on Sunday issued an astronomical forecast regarding the sighting of the Muharram moon, indicating that the new Islamic year 1448 AH is expected to begin on Wednesday, June 17, 2026.

According to an official statement issued by SUPARCO, the birth of the new moon is expected to occur at 7:54 am local time on June 15.

The space agency said that the moon will be 11 hours and 50 minutes old at sunset on the same day, while the interval between sunset and moonset in coastal areas is expected to be around 40 minutes.

Based on these astronomical parameters, SUPARCO assessed the chances of sighting the Muharram crescent on the evening of June 15 as extremely low.

As a result, the first day of Muharram (1448 AH) is likely to fall on Wednesday, June 17.

The space agency clarified that its forecast serves as a scientific guide, emphasising that the official and final decision regarding the moon sighting will be made by the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee.