Plane Crescent Observation Project
(PCOP)
Despite a crystal clear sky our airborne JAS observation team made no sighting of the of Shawwal crescent today (Wednesday 04 December 2002). Using binoculars, airborne observers, namely; Tareq Hadi (Pilot in command), Mohammad Odeh, and Oliver Behar were unable to see the crescent. Tarek Katbeh supported the team from the ground. Even so, thank Allah, the trip was totally successful. As previously announced, the JAS team attempted observation from a small plane at an altitude of 3800 meters above mean sea-level. We left Amman, Jordan at 15:15 local time heading south to reach an area called Jorf Ad-Daraweesh, then flew almost north.
The advantage of observing from a plane is that at such high altitude, the the sky is much cleaner than it at the ground, where there is no smoke, haze, ...etc. Another important factor is that the atmosphere is thinner at high altitudes, thus the the sky appears darker, and so the contrast between the crescent and the sky at high altitude is easier than it at the ground.
We wonder if we at such high elevation with such clear and crystal sky were not able to see the crescent by binoculars, how would others saw it from the ground by naked eyes!!
Photos of the Trip
Tarek Katbeh in Front of The Plane | The Crew is Ready to Fly! |
|---|---|
The Plane from Inside | Amman from Above Right After Departure |
Flying Above The Clouds! | Magnificent View |
Above the Haze!! | Superb Western Horizon During The Observation |
