Muslims across the world are scanning the skies for the slim crescent that marks the start of Ramadan, with a growing list of countries setting Thursday as the first day of fasting while others await final moon-sighting results. As of Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026, authorities from Oman to Indonesia and Malaysia have confirmed a Thursday start, while Saudi Arabia — whose decision influences millions — is expected to announce later in the day. Oman became the first Gulf Cooperation Council state to set Thursday as the beginning of…

Thirteen full moons will light the sky in 2026, a rare cadence in the lunar calendar that coincides with NASA’s renewed push to send humans back to the Moon. For astronomers and skywatchers, it is a year that connects ancient names and stories to a very modern ambition: using the Moon as a springboard for deeper exploration of space. The first full moon of any year is traditionally called the Wolf Moon, a name rooted in midwinter soundscapes. Astronomy expert Danielle Murphy explained that the association traces to the…