Visibility of Muharram Crescent 1434 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 (Tuesday 13 November 2012) at 22:08 UT.
Sighting the new crescent on (Tuesday 13 November 2012) and (Wednesday 14 November 2012) 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 Thursday 15 November 2012 and in the Western Region will be on Thursday 15 November 2012. 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 14 November 2012
Germany
1 . Time of observation: After sunset.Photographed: ICOP member Eng. Martin Elsaesser from Munich City in Bavaria State mentioned that the sky was clear, the atmospheric condition was superb, 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 seen by CCD Imaging
Eng. Martin Elsaesser said: "The young crescent occulted the planet Mercury before noon on this day. I drove to the mountains to capture this rare event. Weather conditions were excellent, the sky was very blue without any halo around the sun. Despite being only 7° from the sun, the crescent was easy to capture with the imaging system and also mercury was easy. Alas, i had a small technical problem and only found the crescent a few minutes AFTER mercury had reappeared. As i could not stay till the evening to observe the crescent after sunset, this has to suffice. (Sadly, i forgot to bring the tools to try visual observation...)"
Ghana
1 . Time of observation: After sunset. Not Seen: ICOP member Mr. Abdul-Aziz Anyang from Accra City in Greater Accra Region 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. Abdul-Aziz Anyang said: "Though the weather was clear, new crescent was not seen."
Indonesia
1 . Time of observation: After sunset. Not Seen: ICOP member Mr. AR Sugeng Riyadi from Surakarta City in Central Java 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 seen by telescope, the crescent was not sought by CCD Imaging
Mr. AR Sugeng Riyadi said: "On Wednesday: Nop 14, 2012 we tried to observe the hilal, but the new crescent of Muharram 1434 AH was NOT SEEN from Assalaam Observatory, PPMI Assalaam Surakarta Central Java Indonesia because rainy. We are about 50 persons from LP2IF RHI and BHR Pamekasan and also male and female students of CASA. The 1st of Muharram 1434 AH in Indonesia begins on Thursday Nop 15, 2012 according to the Imkan Rukyah Criterion. "
2 . Time of observation: After sunset. Not Seen: ICOP member Mr. Muhammad Yusuf from Lembang City in West Java State mentioned that the sky was totally cloudy, the atmospheric condition was very 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
Libya
1 . Time of observation: After sunset. Not Seen: ICOP member Mr. Salem Sahid from tripoli City in tripoli State mentioned that the sky was partly cloudy, the atmospheric condition was very 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. Not Seen: ICOP member Mr. Yunusa Yakubu from Bauchi City in Bauchi 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 seen by binocular, the crescent was not sought by telescope, the crescent was not sought by CCD Imaging
Mr. Yunusa Yakubu said: "I was at the observation site 10min before sunset time, I have tried sighting with (Bushnell Binoculars 7X50 119m at1000m)after sunset uptill 18:35 could not see the new crescent. Also phone all our usual contact persons but negative sighting report."
2 . Time of observation: After sunset. Not Seen: ICOP member Dr. Z.Sani Mustapha from kaduna City in kaduna State mentioned that the sky was partly 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
Dr. Z.Sani Mustapha said: "very hazy not even displaying stars."
Oman
1 . Time of observation: After sunset.Photographed: ICOP member Prof. Mohammed Al-Bussaidi from Al-Habi City in Bahla 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 seen by CCD Imaging
Prof. Mohammed Al-Bussaidi said: "The crescent was seen using a Telescope and with a CCD camera. The sky was hazy and also was thin white clouds all over he sky horizons. Added by ICOP: The crescent was not seen by telescope, it was only seen by the CCD camera from 17:25 to 17:48 Local time. Sunset occurred at 17:30 LT. "
Saudi Arabia
1 . Time of observation: After sunset. Not Seen: ICOP member Mr. Saleh Al-Saab from Bosor City in Gaseem 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
Senegal
1 . Time of observation: After sunset. Not Seen: ICOP member Mr. Ibrahima Lo from Dakar City in Senegal 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
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 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
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 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. Zaffar Sheriff said: "The young crescent of 17hour 12minutes did pose a challenge for eight of us present. Only two of us could confirm binocular sighting at 6.40pm and 6.45pm. The same two did not see the crescent with naked eyes. We complete 30 days of Dhulhijja tomorrow."
Tunisia
1 . Time of observation: After sunset. Not Seen: ICOP member Mr. Bilel Besbes from المنستير City in المنستير State mentioned that the sky was partly 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. Bilel Besbes said: "كنت ادرس وقت غروب الشمس فاستئذنت بعد 30 دقيقة من الغروب من الاستاذ. كان املي مقطوعا بان الهلال وبالفعل كانت السماء ملبدة بالسحب وبدا لي الجو مغبرا بسبب الريح.لكن اردت الرصد عملا بالسنة الشريفة.وفي وقت لاحق اعلن المفتي ان غدا 15 نوفمبر هو اول يوم من السنة الهجرية الجديدة."
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 sought by binocular, the crescent was not sought by telescope, the crescent was not sought by CCD Imaging
Eng. Qamar Uddin said: "On Wednesday, 14 November 2012 (29 Dhul Hijjah 1433 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, even though some places had clear sky conditions. However, we have received reliable sighting reports (Muhaqaq-Ruyat-Basari) from Jamiat-e-Ulama, South Africa. Therefore, the Wifaq/Batley Ulama have decided that the month of Dhul Hijjah 1433 AH will have 29-days and the month of Muharram 1434 AH will start from Thursday 15 November 2012, making Ashura on Saturday 24 November 2012, Insha-Allah. Happy Islamic New Year to all Muslims! :-)"
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 hazy, the crescent was not sought 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: "My friend and I arrived at our sighting location about 5:20 pm EST (sunset: 5:11 pm). Using pairs of binoculars, we started scanning the west southwest horizon. The horizon was mostly cloudy. We stayed there till 5:55 pm (moonset: 6:00 pm)."
Thu 15 November 2012
Algeria
1 . Time of observation: After sunset. Seen: ICOP member Mr. Z.Abd Elouahed Delih from BARIKA City in BATNA 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
Germany
1 . Time of observation: After sunset. Seen: ICOP member Eng. Martin Elsaesser from Munich City in Bavaria 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
Eng. Martin Elsaesser said: "The crescent was very easy to see with the naked eye and was a beautiful sight. My two year old son pointed it out to me when we drove to the observation location. I tried to create a small video, which i might upload to youtube later."
Ghana
1 . Time of observation: After sunset. Seen: ICOP member Mr. Abdul-Aziz Anyang from Accra City in Greater Accra Region 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: "New crescent for Muharram 1434 AH was clearly seen high above the horizon and was seen by so many people."
Indonesia
1 . Time of observation: After sunset. Seen: ICOP member Mr. Bambang Eko Lasmadi from Medan City in Sumatera utara 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 seen by telescope, the crescent was not sought by CCD Imaging
2 . Time of observation: After sunset.Photographed: ICOP member Mr. AR Sugeng Riyadi from Surakarta City in Central Java State mentioned that the sky was partly 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 seen by CCD Imaging
Mr. AR Sugeng Riyadi said: "On Thursday, 15 Nov 2012 I and my son- Ahmad Abdus Salam Alfa Rasyid tried to observe the hilal after praying maghrib. And the new creacent of Muharram 1434 AH was SEEN on camera from my backyard in Bendo Ketitang Juwiring Klaten - Central Java Indonesia. The new Crescent was captured by DSLR even all sky was hazy. "I see the moon in camera...", my son (3 years old) said."
Malaysia
1 . Time of observation: After sunset. Seen: ICOP member Mr. Firdaus Mazlan from Johor Bahru City in Johor 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. Firdaus Mazlan said: "On Thursday, 15 th November 2012 M equal to 29 th Dhul-Hijjah 1433 H, I with my friend (Mr. Mohd Fahmi bin Zakaria, Mr. Nor Mohd Uzair bin Norsahperi, and Mr. Nor Ashraf bin Norsahperi, Mr. Nik Mohd Ridzuan, Mr. Muhammad Ishak bin Ahmad, Mr. Mohd Razib bin Mohd Aris, Mr. Mazli, Mr. Hazwan, Mr. Muhammad Ibrahim bin Jamil, Mr. Muhammad Zainal Abiden bin Mohamad Hani, Mr. Hazwan and his Wife) see the new moon using naked eye at Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia (01°28'00" N , 103°46' 00" E). So, tomorrow, 16 th November 2012 M (Friday) is the 1 st Muharram 1434 H. However, base on Calculation (Mutlaqan bil Hisab) our goverment already announced that 16 th November 2012 M (Friday) is the 2 nd Muharram 1434 H. "
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 not sought by binocular, the crescent was not sought by telescope, the crescent was not sought by CCD Imaging
Mr. Simwal Jibril said: "The crescent was clearly and easily visible "
2 . Time of observation: After sunset. Seen: ICOP member Dr. Z.Sani Mustapha from kaduna City in kaduna 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
Dr. Z.Sani Mustapha said: "The crescent sighted today according to comparative monthly observation reveals that it appeared on the western horizon yesterday."
3 . Time of observation: After sunset. Seen: ICOP member Mr. Yunusa Yakubu from Bauchi City in Bauchi State mentioned that the sky was clear, the atmospheric condition was superb, 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. Yunusa Yakubu said: "The new crescent was very conspicuous an seen by many all over the town"
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: "Visibility report Thursday November 15, 2012 (29 Zhj 1433 in Pakistan) We easily sighted the moon countrywide. Also announced officially hence Friday is 1st Muharram 1434 in Pakistan. New year Mabrook"
United Kingdom
1 . Time of observation: After sunset. Seen: ICOP member Mr. Kadir Yücel from London City in London 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. Kadir Yücel said: "I saw the moon clearly from airplane when we departed London Heathrow."
United States
1 . Time of observation: After sunset. Seen: ICOP member Dr. Javad Torabinejad from Christiansburg 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 not sought by binocular, the crescent was not sought by telescope, the crescent was not sought by CCD Imaging
Dr. Javad Torabinejad said: "It was an easy naked eye sighting."
The OFFICIAL First Day in Different Countries
Thu 15 November 2012
1 . Algeria
2 . Indonesia
3 . Libya
4 . Malaysia
5 . Nigeria
6 . Oman
7 . Saudi Arabia
8 . South Africa
9 . Tunisia
10 . United Kingdom
Fri 16 November 2012
1 . Ghana
2 . Pakistan
When to Observe Dhul Hijjah Waning (OLD) Crescent ?
The geocentric conjunction (Geocentric New Moon) will occur Inshalla on (Tuesday 13 November 2012) at 22:08 UT.
Sighting the OLD crescent on (Tuesday 13 November 2012) and on (Monday 12 November 2012) 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
Mon 12 November 2012
Ghana
1 . Time of observation: Before sunrise. Seen: ICOP member Mr. Abdul-Aziz Anyang from Accra City in Greater Accra Region 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: "Waning crescent was very clear to see high above horizon (the point of the rising of the sun) "
Indonesia
1 . Time of observation: Before sunrise. Seen: ICOP member Mr. AR Sugeng Riyadi from Surakarta 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 not sought by binocular, the crescent was not sought by telescope, the crescent was not sought by CCD Imaging
Nigeria
1 . Time of observation: Before sunrise. Not Seen: ICOP member Dr. Z.Sani Mustapha from kaduna City in kaduna 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
Dr. Z.Sani Mustapha said: "The crescent was not seen today. However, it was seen yesterday at 5.43 a.m and set at 6.48 a.m. "
Tue 13 November 2012
Algeria
1 . Time of observation: Before sunrise. Not Seen: ICOP member Mr. Z.Abd Elouahed Delih from barika City in batna State mentioned that the sky was totally 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
2 . Time of observation: Before sunrise. Not Seen: ICOP member Mr. Billal Bensalah from Guerrara-Ghardaia City in Ghardaia 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
Indonesia
1 . Time of observation: Before sunrise. Seen: ICOP member Mr. AR Sugeng Riyadi from Surakarta City in Central Java State mentioned that the sky was partly cloudy, 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. AR Sugeng Riyadi said: "The old crescent of thulhijjah 1433 AH was seen from my backyard in Bendo Ketitang Juwiring Klaten on Tuesday, Nop 13, 2012 by binocular only. I saw the hilal for a moment @ 05.00 LT before the partly cloud covered the moon until sunrise @ 05.08 LT."
Nigeria
1 . Time of observation: Before sunrise. Not Seen: ICOP member Dr. Z.Sani Mustapha from kaduna City in kaduna 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
United States
1 . Time of observation: Before sunrise. Not Seen: ICOP member Mr. Jim Stamm from Tucson City in Arizona 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
Mr. Jim Stamm said: "This was an attempt to sight the 9h 34m before new moon, at 4.2 degrees elongation, under extremely good conditions, from Mt. Lemmon near Tucson, AZ. There was some haze, but it looked like I was near the top of the layer. I am confident that aiming and focusing were precise, but there was no image to be seen. The sky color through the eyepiece was better than at any other observation, except when John Policheck and I observed the first crescent seen below the Danjon Limit. I have the impression that this observation showed that the lower limit for observing thin crescents is somewhat above the circumstances of the 13 Nov 2012 morning crescent. If anyone is interested in the details of the prediction and circumstances of this observation, I can send a full report if requested from stammjim@gmail.com"
