Scientific Developments in Moon Sighting: Abuja Centre For Arabic Studies (ACAS) 3 Annual Ramadan Symposium

Abuja Centre for Arabic Studies (ACAS) 3rd Annual Ramadan Symposium
Scientific Developments in Moon Sighting

Presented By
Aliyu Abubakar Aziz

aaziz@compuserve.com Tel: 09-523 7199
27th November 1999
Introduction
When it comes to sighting the new crescent moon, Muslims in Nigeria are principally divided into two groups The first group would always claim to have sighted the crescent on the day of conjunction (i.e. the phase during Moons orbit, when the Moon, Earth and the Sun lie exactly at the same line, with the Moon in the middle). While the second group would claim that the Moon was seen at east that morning and therefore could not have been sighted on the same day at west in the evening.
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Introduction
Introduction
As a result of this, we always commence fasting of the month of Ramadan and celebrate Eid on two different days in the same town. The questions are: Are there any relationships between crescent sighting at west in the evenings and moon sighting at east in the morning hours of the same day? Are we living in an area with peculiar geographic conditions that allow us to be among the earliest observers of the crescent in the world? Does moon sighting have relationship with eclipses?
Introduction
Introduction
This presentation will seek to answer these questions through the development of modern scientific criteria for sighting the new crescent moon in the light of Islamic Shariah. May Allah Guide us. Let us first see what Allah (swt) says about this subject:
Introduction
Introduction
Surah Rahmaan 55, Ayah 5: The Sun and Moon follow courses exactly computed Surah Yunus 10, Ayah 5: It is He who made the Sun a radiance and the Moon a light and determined its stations that you might know the number of years and reckoning of time Surah Baqarah 2, Ayah 189: They ask you about the crescent moons, say: they are signs to mark fixed periods of time for the people and for pilgrimage
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Introduction
Introduction
These Ayaat are telling us that the Moon and Sun follow the decree of Allah (swt) and must be used for reckoning of months and calendar. Fortunately we now have Muslim astronomers who can predict, for many years in advance when and where the new crescent moon will first appear.
Introduction
Topics of Discussion

Basic Facts about the Moon Science of Crescent Visibility Methods of Sighting the Crescent Misconceptions on Moon sighting Actual Saudi Dating System Expectations for this Ramadan Whats Next Conclusions
Introduction
The Moon
The Moon is our companion in space, and stays together with us as we travel round the Sun. It is much nearer than any other natural body in the sky, which is why it appears so brilliant. This bleak, airless sphere is about 3,476 kilometers in diameter, and revolves around Earth at an average distance of some 384,400 kilometers, completing one revolution in about 27 days. The lunar orbit is an ellipse, not a true circle; so the distance of the Moon from the Earth changes.
Basic Facts about the Moon
The Moon
Since the Moon rotates on its axis in the same time it takes to revolve around the Earth, the lunar hemisphere visible to us remains about the same.
The Light of the Moon

Sunlight falls on the Moon as it does on Earth. What we call "moonlight" is simply sunlight which the Moon is reflecting toward Earth. Except during lunar eclipses, a full half of the Moon is always lighted by the Sun. But we see this full half only when Earth is between Sun and Moon - the phase called full Moon. When the Moon is not in line with Earth and Sun, we see only part of the lighted half.
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The Lunar Phases
The familiar lunar phases occur because the Moon does not always turn its daylight side toward the Earth. When it is almost between the Earth and the Sun, the Moon is new (1) and its dark (the side that is not receiving light) side is turned toward the Earth. It cannot then be seen unless the alignment is perfect enough to produce a solar eclipse. At 2 it is at half (first quarter); at 3 it is full; and at 4 it is at half once more (last quarter). Between half and full phases the Moon is "gibbous".
See Figure 1.0
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The Lunar Phases

Suns rays
4
Earth
1 3
Figure 1.0
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Lunation
The Moon takes 27.3 days to move round the barycenter - the center of gravity of the EarthMoon system, which lies within the Earth's globe. However, the Earth is moving round the Sun. The Moon is new at (a); when it has returned to (a), during the Earth's orbit of the Sun, it is still not lined up and must move on to (b) before it is new again. The "lunation", or interval between successive new moons, is therefore 29.5 days (29 days, 12 hours 44 minutes and 2.8 seconds), not 27.3.
See Figure 2.0
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Lunation
Earth a b
Earth a
Sun Figure 2.0
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Lunar Eclipse
An eclipse of the Moon occurs when the Moon passes into the cone of shadows cast by the Earth. If the Moon partially enters the cone there is a partial eclipse; if it wholly enters the cone the eclipse is total. Eclipses do not happen at every full Moon because the lunar orbit is appreciably inclined.
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Lunar Eclipse
Moon Earth
Sun
Figure 3.0
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Solar Eclipse
Eclipses of the Sun occur when the Earth, Moon and Sun are aligned. A total eclipse is seen at places along a narrow band, the path of totality. Over a wide area outside this band, a partial eclipse is seen. Unfortunately solar eclipses do not occur every month because the Moon's orbit is inclined to that of the Earth and, at most new Moons, the Moon passes either "above" or "below" the Sun in the sky, thereby avoiding eclipse.
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Solar Eclipse
Area of partial eclipse
Earth
Observer sees partial eclipse Sun Moon
Shadow Zone Observer sees total eclipse Path of totality
Figure 4.0
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Crescent Moon
Just after new Moon, a thin bright crescent is seen. The rest of the disk is faintly lighted. This faint light, called "the old Moon in the new Moon's arms" is light reflected from Earth to the Moon's dark side, and is known as earthshine.
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Crescent Moon
The Moon rises about 50 minutes later each night on the average, but the actual time from month to month varies considerably. For some evenings around full Moon near the autumnal equinox (about September 23) moonrise will be only about 20 minutes later each night, because the angle between ecliptic and horizon is then near the minimum. Thus we have moonlight in early evening longer than usual. This phase is called Harvest Moon. The next full phase after Harvest moon is known as Hunter's Moon.
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Crescent Moon
The lunar pathway stays near the ecliptic or path of the Sun. However, while the Sun rides high in summer and low in winter, the Moon rides low in summer and high in winter. At the full phase, the lunar disk may take odd shapes as it rises or sets, particularly when seen through a dense or smoky atmosphere. Sometimes reflection makes it look oval.
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Science of Crescent Visibility
The Moon orbits Earth once every 29.53 days (average of synodic month). Because of this revolution, phases of the Moon change as the Moon's position change relative to the Earth and the Sun. So, during the Moon's orbit, if the Moon, Earth and the Sun lie exactly at the same line and the Moon in the middle, the Sun will illuminate half of the Moon that faces it, and the other half which faces us, will be dark because it does not reflect rays of the Sun.
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Science and Crescent Visibility
At this point, the Moon is called Wane or New Moon (Astronomical New Moon not CRESCENT). After that, the Moon continues orbiting the Earth and begins to reflect a small amount of Sun's rays and now we see the Moon as a very small waxing crescent. Afterwards, it becomes first quarter, full Moon, last quarter, waning crescent and then wane again. Moon's age is measured from the moment of the wane (New Moon). We often say this Full Moon is 14 days old, which means that the number of days since the wane is 14. And we say this crescent is about 2-3 days old.
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But, did any one ask himself what is the minimum age of crescent that we can see? Generally, it is not likely to see a crescent that is less than 17 hours, i.e. if we want to observe the thin waxing crescent to determine the beginning of an Islamic month, the Moon should be in the wane phase (New Moon) 17 hours ago or more. But why?!
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The wane Moon (New Moon) is located exactly at the Sun's direction, so the Sun's glare will prevent us from seeing it, in addition, the percentage of the reflected rays out of the wane Moon (New Moon) is nearly equal to zero, and this percentage increases as the Moon's age increases. Thus, GENERALLY human eye can't detect any reflected rays from the Moon if the Moon's age is less than about 17 hours.
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When to Locate the Waxing Crescent?

The new waxing crescent is located near the Sun, so we shall wait until Sunset, because it is obviously not possible to observe the thin waxing crescent before Sunset. In addition, we must wait a reasonable time until the twilight decreases, i.e. until we can differentiate between Moon's light and twilight glare, a 10-minute period could be enough sometimes to detect the thin waxing crescent.
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Where to Locate the Waxing Crescent?
As mentioned above, the wane Moon (New Moon) is located exactly near the Sun. If we assume that the Moon will set when it is wane (New Moon), generally it will set along with the Sun, but we are looking for a new crescent, which means that it is still near the Sun. So, we must look at the west, a little bit over the Sunset point.
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When the Waxing Crescent Sets?
The Moon, like the Sun, rises from the East and sets after about 12 hours at the west (with exceptions at high-latitude areas), and since the waxing crescent lies near the Sun, it will set after the Sunset, and in its best cases, the new waxing crescent sets about one hour after the Sunset.
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Are the 17 hours only, enough as a factor to determine the crescent visibility?
Of course not. There are several factors that must be met in order to view the thin waxing crescent: Some of these factors are: The angular distance between the centers of Sun and Moon. The crescent's altitude. The Moon's staying (the interval between the Sunset and the Moon set). The azimuth difference between the Sun and the Moon.
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What's the Meaning of Astronomical Calculations of the Crescent?
1.
2.
Most people think that the astronomical calculations mean absolute determination of crescent visibility, but this is not true, the astronomical calculations include the following: The time of the wane Moon (New Moon) must be determined, and this time is accurately calculated. For sure there is no chance for any error. Some of the above factors are determined. Such as the Moon's altitude, the angular distance between the centers of the Sun and the Moon at the Sunset, Sunset time and the Moon set time, Moon's staying period, ...etc.
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What's the Meaning of Astronomical Calculations of the Crescent?

3.
The results of the above calculations must be compared with crescent visibility conditions in the previous years, and with the accurate practical and international observations.
Note: It is absolutely impossible to see the thin waxing
crescent after sunset if the Moon didn't reach the Wane phase (New Moon) yet. How can we see the new crescent if it is not wane yet?!. " Who claims that he viewed the thin waxing crescent before the New Moon instant, is like the one who claims that he saw the Sun before dawn, or he saw the baby before delivery", ancients said.
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Guidelines
To locate the thin waxing crescent, we have to start looking for it after a while of the sunset at the West, a little bit above the point at which the Sun sets, in its best cases, crescent sets about one hour after Sunset. The following are the guidelines to prepare individuals for crescent moon sighting:
Methods of Sighting the Crescent
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Guidelines
1.
2.
On an evening previous to the Moon Sighting evening, it is advisable to FIND A PLACE WITH A CLEAR WESTERN HORIZON (i.e without any buildings or trees obstructing the place where the sun sets, on the western horizon). It should be noted that the actual PLACE OF THE SETTING OF THE SUN varies with the seasons. In the northern hemisphere, the sun sets to the north of west during the summer with the extreme north setting on the summer solstice (June 22). The sun sets due west on the autumnal equinox (Sept 22). The sun again sets due west on the spring equinox (March 21).
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Guidelines
3.
4.
Observe and note down the approximate angle of inclination of the PATH OF THE SUN while it is setting. This inclination of the path of the setting sun from the vertical is nearly equal to the latitude of observing location. TO SEEK THE CRESCENT MOON. In order to obtain an idea as to approximately where to look, the following information on LUNAL ORBIT is useful:
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Guidelines
To seek the crescent moon i. The PATH OF THE CRESCENT MOON while it is setting will be nearly parallel to the path of the setting Sun. The path of the Moon will be CLOSE to the path of setting Sun, being at a maximum of about 5 degrees (usually it is less than the +/-5 deg) above or below the path of the sun, when it is observed from the surface of the earth.
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Guidelines
To seek the crescent moon ii. The CRESCENT MOON will also be TRAILING the SUN by about 5 to 20 degrees, for a particular observing point. The earliest sightings in the world would have the moon trailing the sun by the least angle. The Trailing angle of the Moon from the Sun can be estimated from the Orbital details and the location of the observer.
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Guidelines
To seek the crescent moon iii. The DURATION OF THE FIRST SIGHTING of very young moons may begin as early as 10 minutes after the sun has set (to allow the twilight to reduce in spectral intensity) with the first sightings being usually before 20 minutes after sunset and the sighting could continue for about 40 to 90 or more minutes after sunset. The sighting would finally be fading when the crescent is a few degrees above the horizon.
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Guidelines
To seek the crescent moon iv. THE HORNS OF THE CRESCENT MOON (i.e. the ends of the approximately less than semicircle arc of the Crescent) will always point in a direction approximately opposite to the location of the sun, the sun already being below the horizon.
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Criteria for Crescents Visibility

1.
2.
3.
4.
Moon's age is equal to, or more than, 17 hours. The angular distance between the Sun's center and the Moon's center at Sunset is equal to, or more than, 7 degrees. The Moon's altitude at Sunset is equal to, or more than, 4 degrees. The interval between Sunset and Moon set is equal to, or more than, 12 minutes.
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Criteria for Crescents Visibility
If the crescent satisfies these conditions, it is expected to be seen from a highly-elevated and clear area. Knowing that an excess of one of these factors may compensate for the lack of another, for instance, if the angular distance between the Moon and the Sun is 10 degrees and the Moon's altitude is just two degrees, then the big angular distance may compensate for the small value of the Moon's altitude.
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Methods of Starting Islamic Months in Different Countries
1.
2.
There is no unique method adopted by all the Islamic countries to start the Islamic months. There are many methods spread all over the Islamic World, some of them are:If the Wane Phase (New Moon) occurs before midnight, then the next day is the first day of the Islamic Month. This method is adopted in astronomical books and magazines and some Islamic countries. If the Wane Phase (New Moon) occurs before Sunset, then the next day is the first day of the month. Since the Islamic day starts at Sunset not at midnight.
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3.
Some countries adopt specific criteria, such as the Moon's age, altitude, the interval between Sunset and Moon set,...etc., and if the Moon fulfills these criteria at Sunset, then the following day is the first day of the Islamic Month.
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4.
Some countries adopt the actual sighting of the crescent with the assistance of astronomical calculations. This is the most reliable and accepted method among people and scientists, as well as among most of scientists of Islamic Shari'a nowadays. Adoption of this method follows Prophet Mohammads Pbuh" order to us not to start the month except when we view the crescent, thus it must be seen, and we use astronomical calculations in order to know where and when to observe, as well as the probability of observing the crescent, since sometimes it would be useless to observe the crescent if the calculations show that there is no crescent after Sunset !
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5.
Other countries adopt several different ways, some of them make the month 29 and 30 days alternately, others make Ramadan either 29 or 30 days always, and finally some countries don't adopt any specific
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Main Factors for Crescent Visibility
Most people associate visibility with the age of the moon. Age of the moon is simply the time lapsed since new moon. It can give a rough approximation for visibility. The visibility depends upon the angular separation of the moon from the sun seen from the earth. As the time passes from the instant of new moon, the angular separation between the sun and the moon increases. This angular separation reflects sun's light to earth. This may be explained better with the help of the following figure.
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Full Moon Earth New Moon Crescent Moon
Sun
Figure 5.0
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Figure 5.0 shows a space view of sun, moon and earth. The earth revolves around the sun in an elliptical orbit, with the sun off-center, and the moon revolves around the earth in a similar way. When the new moon occurs, the sun, moon, and earth come in line as shown, and no light of the sun falling on the moon can come to the earth, so it is a dark or invisible moon.
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About 18-24 hours after the new moon, the moon moves away from the line of earth and sun, to its new location as shown by the location of the crescent moon. Now the sun and moon have separated from the same line. The angle subtended by sun, earth, and moon is the angular separation. This angular separation causes the crescent to form.
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Until this angle becomes 7 degrees, no light of sun reflected by the moon can come to the earth, because of the mountains on the surface of the moon that block the sun light. This angle must be about 10-12 degrees from the sun's light to reflect from the moon making a thin crescent that can be sighted. Sometimes this crescent is very thin and very low on the horizon, so it can not be seen as it disappears in the glare of the sun, and therefore is not visible, even though it may remain above horizon for 20-30 minutes after sunset.
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Another important factor is the moon's altitude above horizon. If the crescent thickness is sufficient, but it is not above horizon, then it can not be seen. This happens in the month of September and October in northern hemisphere, when the moon is in the southern hemisphere, therefore, it can not be seen from northern hemisphere. If the moon is above the horizon but close to it within the glare of the sun, then it may not be visible. The moon within the altitude of 10 degrees at sunset is usually not visible.
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For a sightable crescent from any location, the following parameters are most important: Angular separation of the moon from sun as seen from earth. (this is called elongation, or arc of light, or simple angle from sun) Moons altitude above the horizon.
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It is also a scientific fact that, if the moon is visible anywhere on the globe, it would be more easily visible on all places west of it. A crescent seen by a person at any place will be seen by almost all the people in a group
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Muslim astronomers in this age of technology are now in a position to calculate the dates for possible/impossible moon-sighting. So the validity of sighting claims can be easily verified for authentic moon-sighting. To start an Islamic month correctly, we must examine sighting claims in light of knowledge that Allah (swt) has given us. Let us pray to Allah (swt) to open our hearts and minds to understand these facts about moon-sighting.
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Misconceptions about moonsighting.
Misconception 1: 29th day moon is always thin and
30th day moon is thick. Misconception 2: 29th day moon sets in a short time while 30th day moon remains longer on the horizon. Misconception 3: If the moon is thick and remains on the horizon a long time, it must be the 2nd day moon. Misconception 4: On New-moon day the dark side of the moon faces earth. Misconception 5: Three consecutive months of 30 days are not possible. Misconception 6: Full moon occurs on the 14th night.
Misconceptions on Moon-sighting
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Misconception 1: 29th day moon is always thin
and 30th day moon is thick.
It is very month is moon of explained
possible that the 30th day moon of one about the same thickness as 29th day another month. This can be better by Figure 6.0
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Moon closer to earth
Moon farther from earth
Moon
Earth Earth Moon
Age = 20 hours
Age = 25 hours
Figure 6.0
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The moon revolves around the earth in an elliptical orbit, therefore, sometimes it is closer to the earth and sometimes it is farther from the earth. In figure 6.0, the left hand side picture is an example of 29th day moon of one month when it is closer to the earth and its age is 20 hours, while the right hand side of the picture shows 30th day moon of another month that is farther from earth with the age 25 hours. To an observer from earth, both of these crescents would appear to be about the same thickness.
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Misconception 2: 29th day moon
sets in a short time while 30th day moon remains longer on the horizon.
The moon above the horizon an hour before setting travels down to horizon line along a path whose inclination depends upon the latitude of the observer. A vertically downward path would be an Equator, and a 45 degrees slope at 45 degree latitude. The moon that is 10 degrees above horizon at Equator, would set quicker than a moon that is 10 degrees above horizon at a latitude of 45 degrees. Therefore, it is not correct to say that the 30th day moon remains longer on the horizon. Some months it may be, but not always. This can be clarified with the help of Figure 7.0.
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Misconception 2: 29th day moon
sets in a short time while 30th day moon remains longer on the horizon.
Moon
Moon
Horizon
Horizon
Sun
29th day at one location
Sun 30th day at another location

Figure 7.0
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Misconception 3: If the moon is
thick and remains on the horizon a long time, it must be the 2nd day moon.
This is very common argument that we hear repeatedly, but has no truth in it. If on the 29th day, the moon at sunset is 18 hours old and is higher above the glare of the sun, it may be visible on that day and will appear to be very thin. However, if the 18 hours old moon on the 29th day is very low on the horizon, it would not be visible on that day, then on the 30th day it would be 42 hours old and quite thick, and remains above the horizon a long time, but it was not visible the day before. This can clarified with the help of Figure 8.0
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Misconception 3: If the moon is
thick and remains on the horizon a long time, it must be the 2nd day moon.
Moon
Suns Glare
Moon
Horizon Sun Sun

Figure 8.0
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Misconception 4: On New-moon day
the dark side of the moon faces earth.
By this sentence, people think that the far side of the moon is dark side of the moon, and that dark side faces us at New-moon day. That is not the case. The same side of the moon always faces the earth, sometimes illuminated, and sometimes dark. The moon takes 27 days, 7 hours and 43 minutes to spin, or rotate, once on its axis. It takes the same amount of time to orbit the earth. The combination of the two motions keeps the same side of the moon facing the earth. To us on earth, the moon is fully illuminated at full moon, completely dark at new moon, and partially lit in between.
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Misconception 5: Three consecutive
months of 30 days are not possible.
Three consecutive months of 30 days are very possible and are not uncommon. In fact even four consecutive months of 30 days is possible, but rare. This is mainly due to considering a very wide area as one (Matla') horizon. Because of the elliptical orbit of the moon, two consecutive months of 30 days are quite common.
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Misconception 6: Full moon
occurs on the 14th night.
This is wrong too. Full moon is the instant of time when the moon crosses an imaginary line passing through the centers of the sun and earth. This could happen at any moment of day or night. Therefore, it is very possible that in one month the moon is full at 7:00 a.m. This moon would be 99% lit on the night before and becomes full in the morning, but decreases to 99% lit-up on the following night. Such a moon would appear as a full moon to an observer on both nights. These two nights could be 13th and 14th, or 14th and 15th depending upon the location on earth and the time of new moon birth.
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Actual Saudi Dating System
OLD SYSTEM before April 1999 It is adopted in Umm-ul-Qura Calendar that if the Moon's age at Sunset is 12 hours or more after the New Moon then the PREVIOUS day is the first day of the Islamic month, since the Islamic day starts at Sunset, and the night is before the daylight, as well as the time of fasting is in the civil daylight. NEW SYSTEM as from April 1999 "To determine the beginnings of lunar months, the collaborators in the preparation of Umm Al-Qurrah calendar should adopt the SUNSET BEFORE THE MOONSET according to Mecca, and the coordinates of AlHaram Mosque are adopted."
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Check this site for the original documents http://www.jas.org.jo/sau.html
It is gladding to note that the Saudis are now changing positively. However, the main issue still remains on the actual, physical sighting of the crescent.
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Expectations for this Ramadan in Abuja and Gusau

Astronomical New Moon Moon Age at Sunset Transit Difference Sunrise Moonrise
Date Sunrise Moonrise Saturday, December 04/1999 6:30 AM 3:42 AM Sunday, December 05/1999 6:31 AM 4:28 AM Monday, December 06/1999 6:31 AM 5:14 AM Tuesday, December 07/1999 6:32 AM 6:02 AM Wednesday, December 08/1999 6:32 AM 6:50 AM Thursday, December 09/1999 6:33 AM 7:39 AM Friday, December 10/1999 6:33 AM 8:27 AM Saturday, December 04/1999 6:40 AM 3:47 AM Sunday, December 05/1999 6:40 AM 4:35 AM Monday, December 06/1999 6:41 AM 5:22 AM Tuesday, December 07/1999 6:41 AM 6:10 AM Wednesday, December 08/1999 6:42 AM 6:59 AM Thursday, December 09/1999 6:43 AM 7:48 AM Friday, December 10/1999 6:43 AM 8:37 AM
2:48 2:03 1:17 0:30 -0:18 -1:06 -1:54 2:53 2:05 1:19 0:31 -0:17 -1:05 -1:54
Transit Sun 12:19 PM 12:20 PM 12:20 PM 12:21 PM 12:21 PM 12:22 PM 12:22 PM 12:24 PM 12:24 PM 12:25 PM 12:25 PM 12:25 PM 12:26 PM 12:26 PM
Transit Moon 9:47 AM 10:31 AM 11:16 AM 12:01 PM 12:48 PM 1:36 PM 2:24 PM 9:52 AM 10:36 AM 11:20 AM 12:06 PM 12:53 PM 1:40 PM 2:29 PM
2:32 1:49 1:04 0:20 -0:27 -1:14 -2:02 2:32 1:48 1:05 0:19 -0:28 -1:14 -2:03
Sunset Moonset 6:08 PM 3:52 PM 6:09 PM 4:33 PM 6:09 PM 5:16 PM 6:09 PM 6:00 PM 6:10 PM 6:46 PM 6:10 PM 7:33 PM 6:10 PM 8:22 PM 6:08 PM 3:55 PM 6:08 PM 4:35 PM 6:08 PM 5:17 PM 6:08 PM 6:00 PM 6:09 PM 6:45 PM 6:09 PM 7:33 PM 6:09 PM 8:21 PM
2:16 1:36 0:53 0:09 -0:36 -1:23 -2:12 2:13 1:33 0:51 0:08 -0:36 -1:24 -2:12
Sunset Moonset
26 / 13:14 27 / 13:15 28 / 13:15 11:33 PM 29 / 13:15 00 / 18:37 01 / 18:37 02 / 18:37 26 / 13:14 27 / 13:14 28 / 13:14 11:33 PM 29 / 13:14 00 / 18:36 01 / 18:36 02 / 18:36
Gusau
Abuja
Earliest Moon Sighting Wednesday 8th December, 1999 @ Lat 4N Lon 90W, Age 25.27hr.
Expectations for this Ramadan
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Lunar Eclipses 2000 - 2009

Date Friday, January 21/2000 Sunday, July 16/2000 Tuesday, January 09/2001 Thursday, July 05/2001 Sunday, December 30/2001 Sunday, May 26/2002 Monday, June 24/2002 Wednesday, November 20/2002 Friday, May 16/2003 Sunday, November 09/2003 Tuesday, May 04/2004 Thursday, October 28/2004 Sunday, April 24/2005 Monday, October 17/2005 Tuesday, March 14/2006 Thursday, September 07/2006 Saturday, March 03/2007 Tuesday, August 28/2007 Thursday, February 21/2008 Saturday, August 16/2008 Monday, February 09/2009 Tuesday, July 07/2009 Thursday, August 06/2009 Thursday, December 31/2009 Universal Time 4:45 AM 1:55 PM 8:20 PM 2:55 PM 10:30 AM 12:05 PM 9:30 PM 1:45 AM 3:40 AM 1:20 AM 8:30 PM 3:05 AM 9:55 AM 12:05 PM 11:50 PM 6:50 PM 11:20 PM 10:40 AM 3:25 AM 9:10 PM 2:40 PM 9:40 AM 12:40 AM 7:25 PM Remote Time 12:45 AM 12:55 AM 1:20 AM 12:55 AM 1:30 AM 1:05 AM 1:30 AM 12:45 AM 12:40 AM 12:20 AM 12:30 AM 1:05 AM 12:55 AM 1:05 AM 12:50 AM 12:50 AM 1:20 AM 12:40 AM 1:25 AM 1:10 AM 1:40 AM 12:40 AM 12:40 AM 1:25 AM Phase tot tot tot part pen pen pen pen tot part tot tot pen part pen part tot tot tot part pen pen pen part Home Time 5:45 AM 9:20 PM Alt 16 41 Azi 288 68
10:30 PM 2:45 AM 4:40 AM 2:20 AM 9:30 PM 4:05 AM
45 53 22 59 39 33
139 289 246 287 120 280
12:50 AM 7:50 PM 12:20 AM 4:25 AM 10:10 PM
84 18 84 35 48
200 100 110 276 121
1:40 AM 8:25 PM
61 29
214 67
Whats Next?
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Lunar Eclipses 2000 - 2009
Muslims are advised to observe these eclipses in order to confirm to themselves that astronomical calculations are accurate.
Whats Next?
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Solar Eclipses 2000 - 2009

Date Saturday, February 05-2000 Saturday, July 01-2000 Monday, July 31-2000 Monday, December 25-2000 Thursday, June 21-2001 Friday, December 14-2001 Monday, June 10-2002 Wednesday, December 04-2002 Saturday, May 31-2003 Sunday, November 23-2003 Monday, April 19-2004 Thursday, October 14-2004 Friday, April 08-2005 Monday, October 03-2005 Wednesday, March 29-2006 Friday, September 22-2006 Monday, March 19-2007 Tuesday, September 11-2007 Thursday, February 07-2008 Friday, August 01-2008 Monday, January 26-2009 Wednesday, July 22-2009 Universal Remote Time Time Duration 12:50 PM 10:50 PM 7:35 PM 1:35 PM 2:15 AM 11:15 PM 5:35 PM 1:35 PM 12:10 PM 1:10 PM 5:01 8:45 PM 12:45 PM 3:47 11:50 PM 12:50 PM 0:19 7:30 AM 12:30 PM 2:07 4:10 AM 3:10 AM 3:34 10:50 PM 5:50 AM 2:00 1:35 PM 5:35 PM 3:00 AM 6:00 PM 8:30 PM 1:30 PM 0:46 10:35 AM 1:35 PM 4:27 10:10 AM 12:10 PM 4:10 11:40 AM 11:40 AM 7:05 2:30 AM 7:30 AM 12:30 PM 7:30 AM 3:55 AM 6:55 PM 2:09 10:20 AM 4:20 PM 2:30 8:00 AM 2:00 PM 7:49 2:35 AM 1:35 PM 6:42 Phase part part part part tot ann ann tot ann tot part part tot ann tot ann part part ann tot ann tot Home Time
1:25 PM
6:40 AM 29 Ramadan 1423AH
11:00 AM 29 Shaaban 1426AH 10:30 AM 11:55 AM
Whats Next?
70
Solar Eclipses 2000 - 2009
Note the highlighted dates. If we continue the attitude of commencing the month of Ramadan or celebrating Eid before the day of conjunction, then we are likely to commence fasting or celebrate Eid on a day of solar eclipse. That would be a clear proof that the crescent moon is yet to be sighted.
71
Whats Next?
What is going to happen when the calendar changes to the year 2000
When the above question was posed to an astronomer he replied: Chaos, of course. As any self-respecting astronomer will tell you, the new millennium will not begin until January 1, 2001, but many people, if not most people will put logic aside and begin celebration on the evening of December 31, 1999.
Whats Next?
72
What is going to happen when the calendar changes to the year 2000
Historians have looked over how humans have celebrated the beginning of a new century for the past two or three times and have found that we have always done the right thing in the past. It is a troubling example of how facts can sometimes be mandated by popular vote rather than by logic. I think an excellent exercise for students would be to review this issue and council their parents that they are doing the right thing a year too early.
Again note the highlighted words. Same applies to our attitudes towards sighting the crescent moon.
Whats Next?
73
What do we need to do?
Develop a compendium for every town through collaboration of Muslim ulemas and astronomers. Use Newspapers to publish moon information Own our radio stations, TV stations and Newspapers Utilize/Optimize the use of Information Technology (IT) through Networking, Intranet, and Internet Pray to Allah to guide us and give us courage to change our attitudes toward acquiring knowledge as our first commandment is Read, i.e. seek knowledge.
74
Whats Next?
Conclusion
In conclusion, I will now attempt to answer those questions posed at the beginning of the presentation:-
Conclusion
75
Conclusion
1.
Yes, The morning hour moon seen in the east is decreasing moon that is seen on 27th or 28th of the Month that began with the actual moon sighting, not by conjunction date. Then the moon vanishes for about 24-30 hours and appears as a new crescent moon on western horizon in the evening of 29th or 30th.
Are there any relationships between crescent sighting at west in the evenings and moon sighting at east in the morning hours of the same day?
Conclusion
76
Conclusion
2.
No, there is nothing exceptional about our area to allow us consistently be the earliest observers of the crescent in the world.
Are we living in an area with peculiar geographic conditions that allow us to be among the earliest observers of the crescent in the world?
Conclusion
77
Conclusion
3.
Yes, solar eclipses occur at the instant of astronomical new moons.
Does moon sighting have relationship with eclipses?

Conclusion
78
Conclusion
Finally, concerning the first group that always sight the moon on the day of conjunction. It is impossible! Nobody could see the moon on the day of conjunction. However, I am not saying that somebody is lying. The second group that claims the moon was seen at east in the morning and therefore could not have been sighted on the same day at west in the evening as a new crescent is correct. Yes, the statement they make is correct .
Conclusion
79
References
http://www.ummah.net/astronomy/index.html http://moonsighting.com/home.html http://www.iio.org/cfco/ http://www.columbia.edu/~mnd/ http://www.ummah.org.uk/ildl/mooncalc.html http://www.jas.org.jo/sau.html
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The End
81

Scientific Developments in Moon Sighting: Abuja Centre For Arabic Studies (ACAS) 3 Annual Ramadan Symposium

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Scientific Developments in Moon Sighting: Abuja Centre For Arabic Studies (ACAS) 3 Annual Ramadan Symposium

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Abuja Centre for Arabic Studies (ACAS) 3rd Annual Ramadan Symposium

Scientific Developments in Moon Sighting

Aliyu Abubakar Aziz

Scientific Developments in Moon Sighting

Scientific Developments in Moon Sighting

Scientific Developments in Moon Sighting

Scientific Developments in Moon Sighting

Scientific Developments in Moon Sighting

Scientific Developments in Moon Sighting

Basic Facts about the Moon

Scientific Developments in Moon Sighting

Basic Facts about the Moon

Scientific Developments in Moon Sighting

The Light of the Moon

Basic Facts about the Moon

Scientific Developments in Moon Sighting

The Lunar Phases

Basic Facts about the Moon

Scientific Developments in Moon Sighting

The Lunar Phases

Basic Facts about the Moon

Scientific Developments in Moon Sighting

Basic Facts about the Moon

Scientific Developments in Moon Sighting

Sun Figure 2.0

Basic Facts about the Moon

Scientific Developments in Moon Sighting

Basic Facts about the Moon

Scientific Developments in Moon Sighting

Basic Facts about the Moon

Scientific Developments in Moon Sighting

Basic Facts about the Moon

Scientific Developments in Moon Sighting

Observer sees partial eclipse Sun Moon

Shadow Zone Observer sees total eclipse Path of totality

Basic Facts about the Moon

Scientific Developments in Moon Sighting

Basic Facts about the Moon

Scientific Developments in Moon Sighting

Basic Facts about the Moon

Scientific Developments in Moon Sighting

Basic Facts about the Moon

Scientific Developments in Moon Sighting

Science of Crescent Visibility

Science of Crescent Visibility

Scientific Developments in Moon Sighting

Science and Crescent Visibility

Science of Crescent Visibility

Scientific Developments in Moon Sighting

Science and Crescent Visibility

Science of Crescent Visibility

Scientific Developments in Moon Sighting

Science and Crescent Visibility

Science of Crescent Visibility

Scientific Developments in Moon Sighting

When to Locate the Waxing Crescent?

Science of Crescent Visibility

Scientific Developments in Moon Sighting

Where to Locate the Waxing Crescent?

Science of Crescent Visibility

Scientific Developments in Moon Sighting

When the Waxing Crescent Sets?

Science of Crescent Visibility