**Ramadan Countdown: When Will the Fasting Month Begin in Nigeria?** As Muslims in Nigeria eagerly await the start of the holy month of Ramadan, many are wondering when the exact date will be announced. In Saudi Arabia, the first day of fasting is likely to be on either Wednesday, February 18 or Thursday, February 19, depending on the sighting of the new moon. In Nigeria, like many other countries, the start of Ramadan is determined by the Islamic lunar calendar, which begins with the sighting of the crescent moon. However, the method of sighting the moon varies. Some rely on traditional local sightings, while others use astronomical calculations for lunar phases to confirm the start of the new month. But how is the Ramadan moon sighted, and what are the conditions for it to be visible? Essentially, the crescent moon must set after the sun, allowing the sky to darken enough for it to be spotted. Moon sighters face west with a clear view of the horizon, scanning the sky for the first glimpse of the crescent moon after sunset. In Nigeria, the sighting of the moon is a collective effort, with mosques and Islamic centers working together to verify the start of the new month. The testimonies of people who have spotted the moon are recorded, and a decision is made on when Ramadan should begin. For the moon to be visible at sunset, astronomers look for three key factors: elongation, altitude, and lag time. Elongation refers to the distance between the moon and the sun, which must be at least 10-12 degrees for a reliable naked-eye sighting. Altitude is also crucial, as a higher moon position reduces the impact of atmospheric haze and sky glow. Finally, there must be sufficient lag time between sunset and moonset, typically at least 45 minutes, for the sky to darken enough to spot the moon. In Nigeria, the exact date of Ramadan's start will be announced after the moon sighting is confirmed. While some parts of the country may see the moon on February 17, it is unlikely that the first day of fasting will begin on this date. Instead, Muslims will begin fasting on February 18 or 19, depending on the sighting.