标签： Africa

Astronomical authorities have indicated that the crescent moon marking the beginning of Islamic month Rajab 1447 AH presents significant viewing challenges across most Islamic nations on December 20, 2025. According to detailed analysis from the Astronomy Centre, visibility conditions vary dramatically across different geographical regions, creating substantial disparities in observational possibilities.

The celestial mechanics indicate that while telescopic sightings might be feasible in certain African and South American territories, naked-eye visibility remains restricted to western South America and Pacific regions post-sunset. The Astronomy Centre’s comprehensive social media communications emphasized that despite potential visibility in some Islamic countries, official month commencement determinations rest exclusively with local authorities following careful review of crescent sighting reports.

Technical analysis reveals particularly unfavorable conditions in major Islamic centers including Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, Cairo, and Jakarta. These cities experience moonset occurring merely 8-18 minutes after sunset, with lunar age ranging between 11-16 hours—significantly below the established thresholds for reliable naked-eye observation. The minimum requirements for unaided visual confirmation require the crescent to remain above the horizon for at least 29 minutes with a minimum age of 15 hours 33 minutes, though these conditions alone don’t guarantee successful sighting due to complicating factors including angular distance from the sun and altitude during observation.

The astronomical event coincides with the central lunar conjunction occurring at 01:43 GMT (05:43 UAE time), representing the precise moment when Earth, Moon, and Sun achieve near-perfect alignment with the moon positioned centrally—a phase commonly recognized as the New Moon. This scientific precision underscores the complex interplay between astronomical phenomena and religious calendar determinations that characterize Islamic month commencements worldwide.

The United Arab Emirates experienced its coldest temperature of the winter season early Saturday, with the mercury dropping to 3.5°C (38.3°F) at Jebel Jais Mountain in Ras Al Khaimah. According to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), this record low was recorded precisely at midnight local time on December 20, 2025.

Jebel Jais, standing as the UAE’s highest peak, consistently maintains cooler temperatures compared to the nation’s coastal and desert regions, particularly during winter months. This meteorological phenomenon occurs due to its elevated altitude, which creates distinctly different climate conditions from the urban heat typically associated with Emirates cities.

The recent temperature drop follows a period of unstable weather patterns across the country, including rainfall that resulted in localized flooding and waterlogged roads in several areas. These conditions have presented transportation challenges and highlighted the region’s vulnerability to weather extremes.

As winter firmly establishes itself across the UAE, meteorologists note that inland and mountainous regions continue to experience significantly cooler conditions, especially during early morning hours. The temperature variation between coastal cities and elevated terrain becomes particularly pronounced during this season, with differences often exceeding 10-15 degrees Celsius.

The NCM continues to monitor weather patterns closely, providing updates to residents and authorities. While daytime conditions remain generally pleasant across most of the country, the substantial nighttime and early morning temperature drops in elevated areas serve as a reminder of the UAE’s diverse climatic geography beyond its famous desert landscapes.

In a significant humanitarian gesture preceding Christmas, the Kenya Chinese Women Association has delivered essential aid supplies to the Nairobi Children’s Rescue Centre. The donation, comprising vital infant care items including milk powder, baby food, diapers, and toys, was formally presented during a ceremony attended by representatives from both the Chinese community and the rescue center.

Established as a nonprofit organization in 2017, the association has maintained an eight-year tradition of Christmas philanthropy, though this occasion marks their inaugural partnership directly with a Kenyan government institution. The donated materials, valued at approximately 700,000 Kenyan shillings ($5,430), were specifically tailored to address the center’s urgent requirements.

The Nairobi Children’s Rescue Centre operates as the capital’s sole government-managed facility providing temporary care for children from birth to seven years of age. Currently housing 57 children, the institution employs 14 government staff members supplemented by nine dedicated volunteers.

Margaret Kagwiria, the center’s manager, emphasized the critical importance of need-specific donations. “Our institution primarily cares for very young babies, making infant nutrition and essential supplies our foremost requirements,” Kagwiria explained. “We maintain specific donation lists to ensure all contributed items are both appropriate and utilizable for our children.”

Bao Ping, chairperson of the Kenya Chinese Women Association, highlighted the evolving nature of their community engagement. “Our annual Christmas donation has become a cherished tradition,” Ping stated. “The Chinese community in Kenya is continuously striving to deepen our integration with local society through meaningful humanitarian contributions.”

The donation received formal appreciation from Kenyan government officials, including Cabinet Secretary for Gender, Culture and Children Services Hannah Wendot Cheptumo, who acknowledged the vital role of collaborative partnerships in child protection efforts. “Children in rescue facilities represent among our society’s most vulnerable members,” Cheptumo noted. “Our governmental responsibility encompasses harm prevention, timely protection provision, and supporting pathways toward family-based care and long-term stability.”

Principal Secretary for Children Services Carren Ageng’o further encouraged expanded engagement from Kenya’s Chinese community, suggesting corporate social responsibility initiatives as a potential avenue for enhanced collaboration.