Visibility of Muharram Crescent 1432 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 (Sunday 05 December 2010) at 17:36 UT.
Sighting the new crescent on (Sunday 05 December 2010) and (Monday 06 December 2010) 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 cannot 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 Tuesday 07 December 2010 and in the Western Region will be on Tuesday 07 December 2010. 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
Mon 06 December 2010
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 clear, the atmospheric condition was clear, the crescent was not 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 1432 was seen by binocular, (28) persons have observed Muharram 1432 crescent from N'tissa station in Ghardaia using three binoculars (07x50),the first Vision is it at 18:08 by binocular. mercure and mars were seen before. Member of the club AMMI SAID d'ASTRONOMIE AMATEUR. Happy new year for all ICOP members and Muslims; Thanks'"
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
Ghana
1 . Time of observation: After sunset. Not Seen: ICOP member Mr. Abdul-Aziz Anyang from Accra City in Greater Accra 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 sought by binocular, the crescent was not sought by telescope, the crescent was not sought by CCD Imaging
Mr. Abdul-Aziz Anyang said: "The weather was very cloudy the whole of yesterday Sunday Dec 05 and today Dec 06, 2010, hence the first crescent was not seen. A call to the northern region of Ghana, Tamale was also reported to very misty and cloudy"
Iran
1 . Time of observation: After sunset.Seen by others: ICOP member Mr. Mohamad Soltanolkottabi from Hunejan City in Esfahan State mentioned that the sky was clear, the atmospheric condition was superb, the crescent was not 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. Mohamad Soltanolkottabi said: "My friend( Mohamad Soltani) could see the thin crescent two times between 17:04 - 17:09 for a few seconds. I could not observe the Moon anyway. We didn't have enough time to observe the Moon because the crescent set behind about 5 degrees of mountains in western horizon."
2 . Time of observation: After sunset. Seen: ICOP member Mr. Alireza Mehrani from Esfahan City in Esfahan State mentioned that the sky was clear, the atmospheric condition was superb, the crescent was not sought 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. Alireza Mehrani said: "Location: Sofe Mount, Esfahan , Iran Latitude: 32° 35' 36.14" N Longitude: 51° 38' 31.08" E Elevation: 2157 meters from sea level Time zone: +3.5 Observer: Alireza Mehrani Date: Monday December 6, 2010 (Azar 15, 1389) Temperature: 7 C° Wind: Calm Humidity: 25% Barometer: 846.5 mb Visibility: 9 km Topocentric and local time values from "Moon Calculator" (Refrac off): Crescent first observation through 15x80 binoculars: Time: 17:16 (13:46 UT) Moon Alt: 2° 09' 28" Sun Alt: - (4° 23' 15") Elongation: 9° 47' 23" Rel Azi: - (7° 17' 21") Moon Width: 0.23' Moon Phase: 0.83% Moon Age: 20h 09m after conjunction Crescent last observation through 15x80 binoculars: Time: 17:25 (13:55 UT) Moon Alt: 0° 35' 29" Sun Alt: - (6° 07' 35") Elongation: 9° 51' 19" Rel Azi: - (7° 13' 25") Moon Width: 0.23' Moon Phase: 0.85% Moon Age: 20h 19m after conjunction "
Nigeria
1 . 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 clear, the crescent was not seen 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
Mr. Qamarudeen Muhammad said: "I couldn't sight the new Hilal of Muharam 1432AH and from report I received from Abuja and Ilorin, sighting was equally negative in spite of clear sky"
2 . Time of observation: After sunset. Not Seen: ICOP member Mr. Simwal Jibril from kaduna City in kaduna 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
Norway
1 . Time of observation: After sunset. Not Seen: ICOP member Mr. Milad Ali Ershaghi from Oslo City in Oslo State mentioned that the sky was clear, the atmospheric condition was clear, the crescent was not seen 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
Mr. Milad Ali Ershaghi said: "Bismillah-ir-Rahman-ir-Rahim. Today, Monday, December 6, 2010 marked one of the few times of the year (rare opportunities) when moonset occurs after sunset in Oslo, Norway on the 29th of the Hijri month. Sunset today was at 3:15pm at an altitude of 7.7 degrees, azimuth of 222 degrees and moonset today was at 3:32pm (17 minutes later), at an altitude of 6.1 degrees, azimuth of 215 degrees, with 0.7% illumination. I looked for the new crescent moon between 3:25pm and 3:32pm at a high point in Røa - near Ullerntoppen - but was unable to see it."
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 hazy, the crescent was not seen 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
Mr. Alam Sultan said: "Today, on my request, more than 100 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 19 places but the moon could not be sighted, as it was astronomically expected tonight.Weather was clear at many places but some places were little hazy or little cloudy. Note 1: Today (Monday, 6 December 2010) the conditions of the moon were so defective in most Asia especially in Pakistan that according to the all old and new criteria of moon-sighting, there was no solid proof in the history of astronomy to sight such a moon by naked eyes in Pakistan. Note 2: 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 Tuesday 7th December 2010 is the 30th Zulhijjah 1431 and 1st Muharram 1432 will fall on Wednesday 8th December 2010. Note 3: 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. Seen: ICOP member Mr. Saleh Al-Saab from Riyadh City in Riyadh 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 seen by telescope, the crescent was not sought by CCD Imaging
Mr. Saleh Al-Saab said: "About 15 minutes after sunset ,I saw the very very thin crescent but no imaging this time. Best regards and wishes for you all in the new coming year. "
South Africa
1 . Time of observation: After sunset. Seen: ICOP member Dr. Abdurrazak Ebrahim from Cape Town City in Western Province 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
Tanzania
1 . Time of observation: After sunset. Not Seen: ICOP member Mr. Zaffar Sheriff from Daressalaam City in Tanzania 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
Mr. Zaffar Sheriff said: "Very cloudy western horizon. The crescent was not seen."
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 partly cloudy, the atmospheric condition was hazy, the crescent was not seen 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
Eng. Qamar Uddin said: "On Monday 6 December 2010 (29 Dhul Hijjah 1431 AH) many people from throughout UK have attempted to sight the crescent moon (Hilal) of Muharram after sunset. None of the groups were able to sight the Hilal as most places were cloudy (see attached photos). However, we have received reliable sighting news (Muhaqaq Ruyat-e-Basari) from Jamiat-e-Ulama, South Africa. Therefore, the Ulama in UK have decided that the month of Dhul Hijjah 1431 AH will have 29 days and the month of Muharram 1432 AH will start from Tuesday 7 December 2010 (i.e. from sunset of the previous day), which means Ashura (10 Muharram) will be on Thursday 16 December 2010), Insha-Allah."
United States
1 . Time of observation: After sunset. Not Seen: ICOP member Dr. Javad Torabinejad from Roanoke City in Virginia 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. Javad Torabinejad said: "This evening (Monday, December 06, 2010), the crescent moon of Muharram was not sighted in Roanoke, VA (Lat: 37° 19' 32'', Lng: -79° 58' 32'', and elevation: 358 meter). I arrived at my sighting location prior to sunset (sunset: 5:02 pm EST) and using a pair of binoculars (7X50), started looking for the crescent in the expected area within clearings in a mostly cloudy southwestern horizon. I stayed there till 5:45 pm (moonset: 5:57 pm EST). Earlier today, using the pair of binoculars, I attempted a daytime sighting in Blacksburg, VA (Lat: 37°11', Lng: -80°25', and elevation: 610 meter) with no success. The sky was cloudy with passing clearing patches."
Tue 07 December 2010
Ghana
1 . Time of observation: After sunset. Seen: ICOP member Mr. Abdul-Aziz Anyang from Accra City in Greater Accra State mentioned that the sky was partly cloudy, the atmospheric condition was clear, the crescent was seen 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
Mr. Abdul-Aziz Anyang said: "The crescent was clearly seen all regions over Ghana"
Pakistan
1 . Time of observation: After sunset. Seen: ICOP member Mr. Alam Sultan from karachi City in sindh State mentioned that the sky was clear, the atmospheric condition was hazy, the crescent was seen 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
Mr. Alam Sultan said: "On my request, Today (Tuesday 7 December 2010 = 30 Zulhijjah 1431 in Pakistan) nearly one thousand 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 and resultantly easily sighted the crescent at more than 45 places in all 4 provinces. Generally it was clear countrywide. It has been announced officially yesterday that tomorrow i.e. Wednesday 8th December 2010 is 1st Muharram 1432 in Pakistan. May Allah bless us all through out this year and whole life. "
United States
1 . Time of observation: After sunset. Seen: ICOP member Dr. Javad Torabinejad from Blacksburg City in VA State mentioned that the sky was partly cloudy, the atmospheric condition was hazy, the crescent was seen 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: "Today (Tuesday, December 07, 2010), the moon was sighted in Blacksburg, VA at 5:20 pm (EST) (sunset: 5:04 pm and moonset: 7:01 pm). The horns were at 2:30 and 6:30 O'clock (2:30;4:30;6:30). At 5:20 pm, the temperature, dew point, relative humidity, and pressure were -8.0 C, -12.0 C, 73%, and 1014 mbar, respectively. The southwestern horizon was cloudy with passing clear patches."
The OFFICIAL First Day in Different Countries
Tue 07 December 2010
1 . Germany
2 . Ghana
3 . Indonesia
4 . Iran
5 . Nigeria
6 . Saudi Arabia
7 . South Africa
8 . United Kingdom
9 . United States
Wed 08 December 2010
1 . Pakistan
When to Observe Dhul Hijjah Waning (OLD) Crescent ?
The geocentric conjunction (Geocentric New Moon) will occur Inshalla on (Sunday 05 December 2010) at 17:36 UT.
Sighting the OLD crescent on (Sunday 05 December 2010) and on (Saturday 04 December 2010) 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 cannot 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
Sat 04 December 2010
Ghana
1 . Time of observation: Before sunrise. Seen: ICOP member Mr. Abdul-Aziz Anyang from Accra City in Greater State mentioned that the sky was clear, the atmospheric condition was clear, the crescent was seen 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
Mr. Abdul-Aziz Anyang said: "The waning crescent of Zul Hijja 1431 AH was clearly visible to the naked eye around 0500hrs and was still clearly visible after 0530hrs till 0540hrs when the rays of the rising sun out-shined its (the waning crescent) brightness in the sky. This visibility today which was very very clear really confirms that the first night (Sunday November 07, 2010)seen globally and hence the first day Monday November 08, 2010 was the correct date for the Islamic lunar calendar! Ishaallah with the perfect conditions this morning Saturday December 04, 2010, tomorrow (December 05, 2010) the 28th day of Zul Hijja 1431 AH might be seen. "
Iran
1 . Time of observation: Before sunrise. Seen: ICOP member Mr. Alireza Mehrani from Esfahan City in Esfahan State mentioned that the sky was clear, the atmospheric condition was clear, the crescent was seen 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
Mr. Alireza Mehrani said: "Location: Esfahan , Iran Latitude: 32° 37' N Longitude: 51° 35'E Elevation: 1500 meters from sea level Time zone: +3.5 Observer & photographer: Alireza Mehrani Date: Saturday December 4, 2010 (Azar 13, 1389) Topocentric and local time values from "Moon Calculator" at Moonrise time: File name: amehrani-122010-old.jpg Time: 06:09 LT (02:39 UT) Moon Alt: 7° 48' 47" Sun Alt: - (8° 43' 18") Elongation: 20° 12' 12" Rel Azi: 11° 39' 02" Moon Width: 0.99' Phase: 3.34% Moon Age: 38h 57m before conjunction "
Sun 05 December 2010
Ghana
1 . Time of observation: Before sunrise. Not Seen: ICOP member Mr. Abdul-Aziz Anyang from Accra City in Greater Accra 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 sought by binocular, the crescent was not sought by telescope, the crescent was not sought by CCD Imaging
Mr. Abdul-Aziz Anyang said: "Early this morning, the weather was misty and considering the rising time of the moon and sun at 0533 and 0557 hrs respectively, the waning crescent was not seen."
