Ramadan commences when a small sliver of the moon, known in astronomical terms as the “waxing crescent,” emerges and becomes visible. And that’s true across the Islamic world.

This year, Ramadan is expected to begin on the night of Feb. 28, as the crescent moon should be sighted in the sky. Coincidentally, a planetary alignment will join Ramadan's significant crescent moon.

The moon phases of Ramadan Lunar months last between 29 and 30 days, depending on the sighting of the new moon on the 29th night of each month. If the new moon is not visible, the month lasts 30 days.

This year Ramadan officially started on 23 March in the UK, but that's not the case everywhere in the world. In many countries people saw the new Crescent Moon on 22 March which meant Ramadan ...

Friday's crescent moon brings the first night of Ramadan. But guess what? There will be a planetary alignment in the sky, too. Here's what to know.