Visibility of Muharram Crescent 1431 AH
- When to Observe Muharram Waxing (NEW) Crescent ?
- Muharram Waxing (NEW) Crescent Observation Results
- The OFFICIAL First Day in Different Countries
- When to Observe Dhul Hijjah Waning (OLD) Crescent ?
- Dhul Hijjah Waning (OLD) Crescent Observation Results
When to Observe Muharram Waxing (NEW) Crescent ?
The geocentric conjunction (Geocentric New Moon) will occur Inshalla on (Wednesday 16 December 2009) at 12:02 UT.
Sighting the new crescent on (Wednesday 16 December 2009) and (Thursday 17 December 2009) is shown in the below graphs using the program Accurate Times by Mohammad Odeh according to Odeh criterion. Where:-
- It is impossible to see the crescent from the areas located under the red color. Because either the Moon on this day sets before the Sunset and/or the topocentric conjunction occurs after the Sunset.
- The crescent is expected to be seen by optical aid only from the areas located under the blue color.
- The crescent is expected to be seen by optical aid from the areas located under the magenta color. In these areas the crescent could be seen by naked eye if the atmospheric conditions are superb and the observer is experienced.
- The crescent is expected to be easily visible by naked eye from the areas located under the green color.
- The crescent can not be seen from uncolored areas, even though the Moon sets in these locations after the Sunset and the topocentric conjunction occurs before the Sunset, but the Moon is not sufficiently illuminated in order to be seen as crescent even by optical aid.
- Kindly notice that the below graph shows the possibility of seeing the crescent from areas between 60 degrees north of Equator down to 60 degrees south of Equator.
According to the Universal Hejric Calendar (UHC), which is based on the calculated crescent visibility, the start of this month in the Eastern Region will be on Friday 18 December 2009 and in the Western Region will be on Friday 18 December 2009. Kindly notice that the UHC is a pre-calculated calendar, which adopts a certain criterion to start the new Hejric month. Your country/organization might adopt different criterion to start the new Hejric month. So it is highly advised to read the UHC website before giving any judgment.
- Results of seeing the crescent, and the first day of the month in different countries will be added here Inshalla as we receive the reports from ICOP's members. If you wish to be a member in ICOP, or to know more about it, kindly click here.
Muharram Waxing (NEW) Crescent Observation Results
Wed 16 December 2009
Nigeria
1 . Time of observation: After sunset. Not Seen: ICOP member Mr. Usman Dukku from Bauchi City in Bauchi State mentioned that the sky was clear, the atmospheric condition was clear, the crescent was not seen by naked eye, the crescent was not seen by binocular, the crescent was not sought by telescope, the crescent was not sought by CCD Imaging
Mr. Usman Dukku said: "We did not see the crescent, in spite of the fine weather."
Saudi Arabia
1 . Time of observation: After sunset. Not Seen: ICOP member Mr. Bander Albotehy from Dammam City in Eastern State mentioned that the sky was clear, the atmospheric condition was superb, the crescent was not seen by naked eye, the crescent was not seen by binocular, the crescent was not sought by telescope, the crescent was not sought by CCD Imaging
Mr. Bander Albotehy said: "The weather was very clear but the crescent was not seen by the official committee using naked eyes and binoculars. "
South Africa
1 . Time of observation: After sunset. Not Seen: ICOP member Dr. Abdurrazak Ebrahim from Cape Town City in Western Province State mentioned that the sky was clear, the atmospheric condition was superb, the crescent was not seen by naked eye, the crescent was not seen by binocular, the crescent was not seen by telescope, the crescent was not sought by CCD Imaging
Trinidad and Tobago
1 . Time of observation: After sunset. Not Seen: ICOP member Mr. Kahiam Hosein from Cunupia City in Chaguanas State mentioned that the sky was clear, the atmospheric condition was clear, the crescent was not seen by naked eye, the crescent was not seen by binocular, the crescent was not sought by telescope, the crescent was not sought by CCD Imaging
Mr. Kahiam Hosein said: "The crescent was confirmed NOT SEEN in Trinidad and Tobago, Grenada, Guyana and Barbados after sunset on Wed 16th Dec 09. Therefore in Trinidad and Tobago the Month of Dhul Hijjah would complete 30 days and the 1st day Muharram will be on Friday 18th Dec 09. The moon was however sighted after sunset of Thursday 17th Dec 09 on a very clear sky. Kahiam Hosein On behalf of Darul Uloom Moon Committee Trinidad and Tobago"
United Kingdom
1 . Time of observation: After sunset. Not Seen: ICOP member Eng. Qamar Uddin from York City in North Yorkshire State mentioned that the sky was totally cloudy, the atmospheric condition was very hazy, the crescent was not seen by naked eye, the crescent was not seen by binocular, the crescent was not sought by telescope, the crescent was not sought by CCD Imaging
Eng. Qamar Uddin said: "On Wednesday 29 Dhul Hijjah 1430 AH (16 December 2009) many of us from UK have tried to sight the crescent moon (Hilal) of Muharram 1431 AH after sunset, but there were no sighting reports received, as many places were totally foggy/cloudy. We have not received any news of actual sighting from any countries in the East of UK either. Therefore, the Ulama have decided that the month of Dhul Hijjah 1430 AH will have 30 days and the month of Muharram 1431 AH (Islamic New Year) will start from Friday 18 December 2009, which means Ashura (10 Muharram) will be on Sunday 27 December 2009, Insha-Allah."
United States
1 . Time of observation: After sunset. Not Seen: ICOP member Dr. Javad Torabinejad from Blacksburg City in Virginia State mentioned that the sky was partly cloudy, the atmospheric condition was clear, the crescent was not sought by naked eye, the crescent was not sought by binocular, the crescent was not sought by telescope, the crescent was not sought by CCD Imaging
Dr. Javad Torabinejad said: "This evening (Wednesday, December 16, 2009), using a pair of binoculars (7X50), we (two of us) attempted sighting the moon of Muharram in Blacksburg Virginia with no success. We arrived at the sighting location before sunset (sunset: 5:05 pm EST) and stayed well after moonset (moonset: 5:13 pm EST). A streak of cloud was present near the western horizon (covering 2-3 degrees of the lower part of the horizon; see the attached photograph). At 5:24 pm, we sighted Mercury, first with binoculars and then by naked eye. Since tomorrow's moon position will be in the lower right side of Mercury and considering today's high elevation of the planet, weather permitting, moon is expected to be seen easily."
Thu 17 December 2009
Algeria
1 . Time of observation: After sunset. Seen: ICOP member Mr. Hocine Chikh Aissa from Ghardaia City in Ghardaia State mentioned that the sky was partly cloudy, the atmospheric condition was superb, the crescent was seen by naked eye, the crescent was seen by binocular, the crescent was not sought by telescope, the crescent was not sought by CCD Imaging
Mr. Hocine Chikh Aissa said: "The crescent of Muharram 1431 was seen by binocular and by naked eys, (18) persens have observed Muharram 1431 crescent from Boulanouar station in Ghardaia using tow binoculars (07x50),the first Vision is it at 18:07 by binocular; the crescent was seen by naked eyes at 18:09. mercure was seen befor. Member of the club AMMI SAID d'ASTRONOMIE AMATEUR. Happy new year for all ICOP members and Muslims; Thank's... "
Bangladesh
1 . Time of observation: After sunset. Not Seen: ICOP member Mr. ABM Ruhul Hassan from Dhaka City in Dhaka State mentioned that the sky was clear, the atmospheric condition was hazy, the crescent was not seen by naked eye, the crescent was not seen by binocular, the crescent was not sought by telescope, the crescent was not sought by CCD Imaging
Mr. ABM Ruhul Hassan said: "All the members of Majlisu Ruiati Hilal tried to see the crescent but it was not seen.The sky was little hazy due to fog."
Germany
1 . Time of observation: After sunset. Not Seen: ICOP member Eng. Gerhard Ahmad Kaufmann from Moerlenbach City in Hessen State mentioned that the sky was totally cloudy, the atmospheric condition was hazy, the crescent was not sought by naked eye, the crescent was not sought by binocular, the crescent was not sought by telescope, the crescent was not sought by CCD Imaging
Nigeria
1 . Time of observation: After sunset. Seen: ICOP member Mr. Simwal Jibril from KADUNA City in KADUNA State mentioned that the sky was clear, the atmospheric condition was superb, the crescent was seen by naked eye, the crescent was seen by binocular, the crescent was not sought by telescope, the crescent was not sought by CCD Imaging
2 . Time of observation: After sunset. Not Seen: ICOP member Mr. Qamarudeen Muhammad from Lagos City in Lagos State mentioned that the sky was partly cloudy, the atmospheric condition was hazy, the crescent was not seen by naked eye, the crescent was not seen by binocular, the crescent was not sought by telescope, the crescent was not sought by CCD Imaging
Mr. Qamarudeen Muhammad said: "New Hilal of Muharam was not sighted by me here in Isolo,Lagos tonight(Thursday 17, Dec 2009) partly due to hazy western sky. And also when I called member of Lajinatu Hilal Islamiyyah, Ilorin Kwara State, Mallam Shuaib Agbarere he equally told me over phone he could nt sight the new Hilal, however Imam Usman Mahmud of Tabliq Moricaz, Zone 4 Abuja, confirmed positive sighting by himself with naked eyes. Hapyy new Hijral Year."
3 . Time of observation: After sunset. Not Seen: ICOP member Mr. Abdul-Rasaq Abdul-Azeez Ishola from IKORODU City in LAGOS State mentioned that the sky was partly cloudy, the atmospheric condition was hazy, the crescent was not seen by naked eye, the crescent was not seen by binocular, the crescent was not sought by telescope, the crescent was not sought by CCD Imaging
Mr. Abdul-Rasaq Abdul-Azeez Ishola said: "I and My Two Boys Adna and Nuhman and Muhammad Jamiu Imam Ratib of Jamaatul-Islamiyyah Ikorodu Branch at the top of the Jamaatul-Islamiyyah Mosque Ikorodu area of Lagos were tried to search for the muharram 1431 crescent and it was not seen due to the cloudness Happy Hijirah1431 "
4 . Time of observation: After sunset. Seen: ICOP member Mr. Usman Dukku from Bauchi City in Bauchi State mentioned that the sky was partly cloudy, the atmospheric condition was clear, the crescent was seen by naked eye, the crescent was seen by binocular, the crescent was not sought by telescope, the crescent was not sought by CCD Imaging
Mr. Usman Dukku said: "Twelve of us, in two groups, sighted the crescent."
Oman
1 . Time of observation: After sunset. Not Seen: ICOP member Dr. Usman El-Nafaty from Muscat City in Muscat State mentioned that the sky was partly cloudy, the atmospheric condition was hazy, the crescent was not seen by naked eye, the crescent was not seen by binocular, the crescent was not sought by telescope, the crescent was not sought by CCD Imaging
Dr. Usman El-Nafaty said: "The Wheather was cloudy on the western horizon. Crescent was not seen. Salams"
Pakistan
1 . Time of observation: After sunset. Not Seen: ICOP member Mr. Alam Sultan from Karachi City in Sindh State mentioned that the sky was clear, the atmospheric condition was clear, the crescent was not seen by naked eye, the crescent was not seen by binocular, the crescent was not sought by telescope, the crescent was not sought by CCD Imaging
Mr. Alam Sultan said: "Today, on my request, nearly 300 persons ( members of the moon-sighting committees of our institute "JAMIA-TUR-RASHEED" + my friends + their companions) tried to sight the moon all over Pakistan at more than 30 places but the moon could not be sighted. Weather was clear at many places especially in Karachi & western-most areas of Pakistan (Jivani e.g). Note 1: Chairman of central official moon-sighting committee of Pakistan "Mufti Munee-bur-Rahman" told me on my mobile phone that as he did not receive any positive report of moon sighting from all over Pakistan, therefore he has officially announced that Friday 18 December 2009 is the 30th Zulhijjah and 1st Muharram 1431 will fall on Saturday 19 December 2009. Note 2: After some days, inshaallah, a detailed report of this observation will be available at www.esnips.com/web/moonnewsofjamiaturrasheed "
Saudi Arabia
1 . Time of observation: After sunset. Not Seen: ICOP member Mr. Bander Albotehy from Dammam City in Eastern State mentioned that the sky was totally cloudy, the atmospheric condition was hazy, the crescent was not seen by naked eye, the crescent was not seen by binocular, the crescent was not sought by telescope, the crescent was not sought by CCD Imaging
Mr. Bander Albotehy said: "The sky was cloudy which could be the reason of not seeing the crescent. Anyway, it was officially announced that Friday is the first day of Muharram."
Senegal
1 . Time of observation: After sunset. Seen: ICOP member Mr. Ibrahima Lo from Louga City in Senegal State mentioned that the sky was partly cloudy, the atmospheric condition was hazy, the crescent was seen by naked eye, the crescent was seen by binocular, the crescent was not sought by telescope, the crescent was not sought by CCD Imaging
Mr. Ibrahima Lo said: "The national Committee of Hilal sighting have announced the crescent was seen in Bakel (Senegal) on Thursday 17 December."
Somalia
1 . Time of observation: After sunset. Not Seen: ICOP member Mr. Abdulaziiz Hagi Bashiir from Garoowe City in Puntland State Of Somalia State mentioned that the sky was clear, the atmospheric condition was clear, the crescent was not seen by naked eye, the crescent was not seen by binocular, the crescent was not sought by telescope, the crescent was not sought by CCD Imaging
Mr. Abdulaziiz Hagi Bashiir said: "Despite the perfect atmospheric conditions, the crescent was not seen by naked eye. The same sky condition was reported from Galkacyo, Bosaso and Xarfo, and with the same result of not seeing the new crescent. According to the calendars, tomorrow will the first day of Muharram 1431; but it worth mentioning that there is a large number of people strigtly following the Sunnah, and since the crescent was not found they make DhulHijjah 30 days and the first day of Muharram 1431 will be Saturday 19 Dec 2009..."
Tanzania
1 . Time of observation: After sunset. Seen: ICOP member Mr. Zaffar Sheriff from Daressalaam City in Tanzania State mentioned that the sky was partly cloudy, the atmospheric condition was hazy, the crescent was seen by naked eye, the crescent was seen by binocular, the crescent was not sought by telescope, the crescent was not sought by CCD Imaging
Mr. Zaffar Sheriff said: "Crescent was first spotted with binoculars at 6.42pm, less than ten minutes after sunset. Un-aided sighting was confirmed at 6.46pm. Relative clear skies overhead, but dense clouds were present just above the horizon. There was no difficulty is spotting the 27hour Muharram crescent."
2 . Time of observation: After sunset.Seen by others: ICOP member Mr. ZZ-Hamza Rijal from Zanzibar City in Zanzibar City State mentioned that the sky was clear, the atmospheric condition was clear, the crescent was seen by naked eye, the crescent was seen by binocular, the crescent was not sought by telescope, the crescent was not sought by CCD Imaging
Mr. ZZ-Hamza Rijal said: "Hilal has been sighted in the tiny island of Zanzibar on the 17th of December and todays friday 18th is the first day of Muharram. "
United Kingdom
1 . Time of observation: After sunset. Not Seen: ICOP member Mr. Jaffer Dharamsi from Gloucester City in Glos. State mentioned that the sky was clear, the atmospheric condition was superb, the crescent was not seen by naked eye, the crescent was not seen by binocular, the crescent was not sought by telescope, the crescent was not sought by CCD Imaging
Mr. Jaffer Dharamsi said: "My wife and I are about 15 miles south east of Gloucester at Michinghampton Hill. The western sky is absolutely clear. We have been here since sunset looking for the Muharram crescent without luck, even with a 8x30 pair of binoculars. Now as it is moonset time we shall give up. Jaffer"
United States
1 . Time of observation: After sunset. Seen: ICOP member Dr. Javad Torabinejad from Blacksburg City in Virginia State mentioned that the sky was partly cloudy, the atmospheric condition was hazy, the crescent was seen by naked eye, the crescent was seen by binocular, the crescent was not sought by telescope, the crescent was not sought by CCD Imaging
Dr. Javad Torabinejad said: "This evening (Thursday, December 17, 2009), we (two of us) sighted the moon of Muharram in Blacksburg, VA, first by using a pair of binoculars (7X50) and then by naked eye. We arrived at the sighting location before sunset (sunset: 5:06 pm EST) and left at 5:40 pm when moon was about to disappear behind the clouds (moonset 6:10 pm EST). The first binocular sighting was at 5:04 pm. My daughter first spotted the crescent by naked eye at 5:12, followed by my sighting a minute later. The horns were at 2:30, 6:30 O'clock (2:30;4:30;6:30). At 5:00 pm, the temperature, dew point, relative humidity, and pressure were 39.2 F, 26.6 F, 61%, and 30.26 in, respectively."
2 . Time of observation: After sunset. Seen: ICOP member Dr. John Caldwell from McDonald Obs City in Texas State mentioned that the sky was clear, the atmospheric condition was superb, the crescent was seen by naked eye, the crescent was seen by binocular, the crescent was not sought by telescope, the crescent was not sought by CCD Imaging
The OFFICIAL First Day in Different Countries
Thu 17 December 2009
1 . Nigeria
Fri 18 December 2009
1 . Algeria
2 . Saudi Arabia
3 . Senegal
4 . Somalia
5 . South Africa
6 . Spain
7 . Tanzania
8 . Trinidad and Tobago
9 . United Kingdom
10 . United States
Sat 19 December 2009
1 . Bangladesh
2 . Pakistan
When to Observe Dhul Hijjah Waning (OLD) Crescent ?
The geocentric conjunction (Geocentric New Moon) will occur Inshalla on (Wednesday 16 December 2009) at 12:02 UT.
Sighting the OLD crescent on (Wednesday 16 December 2009) and on (Tuesday 15 December 2009) is shown in the below graphs using the program Accurate Times by Mohammad Odeh according to Odeh criterion. Where:-
- It is impossible to see the OLD crescent from the areas located under the red color. Because either the Moon on this day rises after the Sunrise and/or the topocentric conjunction occurs before the Sunrise.
- The crescent is expected to be seen by optical aid only from the areas located under the blue color.
- The crescent is expected to be seen by optical aid from the areas located under the magenta color.. In these areas the crescent could be seen by naked eye if the atmospheric conditions are superb and the observer is experienced.
- The crescent is expected to be easily visible by naked eye from the areas located under the green color.
- The crescent can not be seen from uncolored areas, even though the Moon rises in these locations before the Sunrise and the topocentric conjunction occurs after the Sunrise, but the Moon is not sufficiently illuminated in order to be seen as crescent even by optical aid.
- Kindly notice that the below graph shows the possibility of seeing the crescent from areas between 60 degrees north of Equator down to 60 degrees south of Equator.
Dhul Hijjah Waning (OLD) Crescent Observation Results
Tue 15 December 2009
Indonesia
1 . Time of observation: Before sunrise. Seen: ICOP member Mr. AR Sugeng Riyadi from Klaten City in Central Java State mentioned that the sky was partly cloudy, the atmospheric condition was clear, the crescent was seen by naked eye, the crescent was seen by binocular, the crescent was not sought by telescope, the crescent was not sought by CCD Imaging
Nigeria
1 . Time of observation: Before sunrise. Seen: ICOP member Mr. Usman Dukku from Bauchi City in Bauchi State mentioned that the sky was clear, the atmospheric condition was clear, the crescent was seen by naked eye, the crescent was seen by binocular, the crescent was not sought by telescope, the crescent was not sought by CCD Imaging
Mr. Usman Dukku said: "I sighted the waning crescent, with three other people, at the mosque, after Fajr prayer."
United Kingdom
1 . Time of observation: Before sunrise. Not Seen: ICOP member Eng. Qamar Uddin from York City in North Yorkshire State mentioned that the sky was totally cloudy, the atmospheric condition was very hazy, the crescent was not seen by naked eye, the crescent was not seen by binocular, the crescent was not sought by telescope, the crescent was not sought by CCD Imaging
Eng. Qamar Uddin said: "The eastern horizon was totally foggy/cloudy before sunrise."
United States
1 . Time of observation: Before sunrise. Not Seen: ICOP member Mr. Jim Stamm from Tucson City in AZ State mentioned that the sky was clear, the atmospheric condition was clear, the crescent was not sought by naked eye, the crescent was not sought by binocular, the crescent was not seen by telescope, the crescent was not sought by CCD Imaging
