Visibility of Safar Crescent 1434 AH
- When to Observe Safar Waxing (NEW) Crescent ?
- Safar Waxing (NEW) Crescent Observation Results
- The OFFICIAL First Day in Different Countries
- When to Observe Muharram Waning (OLD) Crescent ?
- Muharram Waning (OLD) Crescent Observation Results
When to Observe Safar Waxing (NEW) Crescent ?
The geocentric conjunction (Geocentric New Moon) will occur Inshalla on (Thursday 13 December 2012) at 08:42 UT.
Sighting the new crescent on (Thursday 13 December 2012) and (Friday 14 December 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 Saturday 15 December 2012 and in the Western Region will be on Friday 14 December 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.
Safar Waxing (NEW) Crescent Observation Results
Thu 13 December 2012
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 superb, 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: "Was not seen anywhere in the regional capitals"
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 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. Qamarudeen Muhammad said: "I couldn't see the new hilal in spite of good sky condition"
Oman
1 . Time of observation: After sunset. Not Seen: ICOP member Prof. Mohammed Al-Bussaidi from Al-Fulaij 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 sought by binocular, the crescent was not sought by telescope, the crescent was not seen by CCD Imaging
Prof. Mohammed Al-Bussaidi said: "The crescent was not sighted, they was alot of clouds. "
Saudi Arabia
1 . Time of observation: After sunset. Not Seen: ICOP member Mr. Saleh Al-Saab from near Boraydah City in AlGaseem. 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 seen by telescope, the crescent was not sought by CCD Imaging
South Africa
1 . Time of observation: After sunset. Not Seen: ICOP member Dr. Abdurrazak Ebrahim from Cape Town City in Western Cape 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 seen by telescope, the crescent was not sought by CCD Imaging
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
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 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 Thursday, 13 December 2012 (29 Muharram 1434 AH) many people from throughout the UK have attempted to sight the crescent moon (Hilal) of Safar after sunset. None of the groups were able to sight the Hilal, as most places were cloudy. We have not received any reliable sighting reports (Muhaqaq-Ruyat-Basari) from east of UK/Morocco either. Therefore, the Wifaq/Batley Ulama have decided that the month of Muharram 1434 AH will complete 30-days and the month of Safar 1434 AH will start from Saturday 15 December 2012, 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 clear, 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: "I arrived at my sighting location at sunset; using pairs of binoculars(7X50 and 10X50), I started scanning the west southwest horizon. The horizon was clear and hazy. I stayed there till moonset."
Fri 14 December 2012
Algeria
1 . Time of observation: After sunset. Seen: ICOP member Mr. Billal Bensalah from Guerrara City in Ghardaia 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
Germany
1 . Time of observation: After sunset.Photographed: ICOP member Eng. Martin Elsaesser from Munich City in Bavaria 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 seen by CCD Imaging
Eng. Martin Elsaesser said: "The weather was bad in the afternoon with layers of high cirrus clouds causing white skies and even thicker stuff approaching from the west. As there would be no chance to observe after sunset i had to use the imaging-system to punch through the clouds in daytime. Which it did easily enough, as the crescent was already quite wide at 16° elongation."
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 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. Abdul-Aziz Anyang said: "Was clearly visible after sunset and seen by almost all the ten regions in Ghana."
Indonesia
1 . Time of observation: After sunset. 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 hazy, the crescent was seen by naked eye, the crescent was seen by binocular, the crescent was seen by telescope, the crescent was not sought by CCD Imaging
Mr. AR Sugeng Riyadi said: "On Friday, Dec 14th, 2012 the new Crescent of Shafar 1434 AH was SEEN from our location, Assalaam Observatory, Surakarta Central Java Indonesia. We are about 100 person (about 50 members of CASA|Assalaam Students Astronomy Club, male and female; 25 Students and Teacher of SMA Al-Islam 1 Surakarta; 25 Students and Lecturer of Islamic Boarding School Hj. AnNuuriyah Sobron). The sky was cloudy and very hazy, but there was a hole between clouds. We all tried to observe the new crescent when the Sun sets @ 17:48 LT, but the Moon was covered by thick clouds. After a moments, my friend al-Ustadz Muchtar-religion teacher from SMA Al-Islam 1 Surakarta said,"I see the moon, it's very thin at the center of hole between the clouds". After that, all the observers also could see the new Crescent of this month. Alhamdulillah... :-) "
Malaysia
1 . Time of observation: After sunset. Seen: ICOP member Mr. Kassim Bahali from Tg Bidara City in MELAKA 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
Nigeria
1 . Time of observation: After sunset. Seen: ICOP member Mr. Qamarudeen Muhammad from Lagos City in Lagos 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. Qamarudeen Muhammad said: "It was easily seen on the horizon."
2 . 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 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
Pakistan
1 . Time of observation: After sunset.Seen by others: ICOP member Mr. Alam Sultan from karachi City in Sindh 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. Alam Sultan said: "Today (Friday, December 14, 2012 = 29th Muharram 1434 in Pakistan): Members of Jamia-tur-Rasheed easily sighted the moon countrywide at 7 places. Other 24 places were full cloudy or rainy. Official moon sighting committee also received positive reports from 4 places thus announced that 1st Safar 1434 is on Saturday December 15, 2012 in Pakistan. Note: We have completed following 3 consecutive months of 29 days in Pakistan:Zul-Qa’dah 1433- Zul-Hijjah 1433- Muharram 1434 According to more than 12 criteria, it is possible to sight the moon by naked eyes on Saturday January 12, 2013 = 29th Safar 1434 in all or some areas of Pakistan . If the moon is seen on Janury 12 in Pakistan then Safar 1434 will be fourth consecutive month of 29 days.Allah knows the best "
Saudi Arabia
1 . Time of observation: After sunset. Seen: ICOP member Mr. Saleh Al-Saab from near Boraydah City in AlGaseem 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 seen 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 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. Zaffar Sheriff said: "The crescent was seen at 6.32pm local time, just two minutes after sunset."
Tunisia
1 . Time of observation: After sunset. Seen: ICOP member Mr. Bilel Besbes from المنستير City in المنستير 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. Bilel Besbes said: "تم الرصد في احسن الظروف حيث كانت السماء صافية تماما من الغرب. واعلن مفتي الديار التونسية ان اليوم 14 ديسمبر هو الفاتح من شهر صفر 1434."
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 seen by binocular, the crescent was not sought by telescope, the crescent was not sought by CCD Imaging
Dr. Javad Torabinejad said: "Soon after arriving at my sighting location, I saw the moon with naked eye at 4:50 pm EST (sunset: 5:05 pm). The horns were at 3:00 and 7:00 O'clock (3:00;5:00;7:00). I left the location prior to moonset (moonset: 6:54 pm). At 5:15 pm, the temperature, dew point, relative humidity, and pressure were 44.6 F, 26.6 F, 49%, and 30.24 in, respectively. Earlier today, I sighted the crescent at 1:40 pm with a pair of binoculars (7X50) and then with naked eye at 1:43 pm. The horns were at 2:00 and 5:00 O'clock (2:00;2:30;5:00). At 1:35 pm, the temperature, dew point, relative humidity, and pressure were 53.6 F, 28.4 F, 38%, and 30.28 in, respectively. Moltames-e-dua, javad"
The OFFICIAL First Day in Different Countries
Fri 14 December 2012
1 . Algeria
2 . Nigeria
3 . Saudi Arabia
4 . Tunisia
Sat 15 December 2012
1 . Ghana
2 . Indonesia
3 . Malaysia
4 . Nigeria
5 . Oman
6 . Pakistan
7 . South Africa
8 . Tanzania
9 . United Kingdom
When to Observe Muharram Waning (OLD) Crescent ?
The geocentric conjunction (Geocentric New Moon) will occur Inshalla on (Thursday 13 December 2012) at 08:42 UT.
Sighting the OLD crescent on (Thursday 13 December 2012) and on (Wednesday 12 December 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.
Muharram Waning (OLD) Crescent Observation Results
Wed 12 December 2012
Algeria
1 . Time of observation: Before sunrise. Seen: ICOP member Mr. Billal Bensalah from Guerrara City in Ghardaia 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
2 . Time of observation: Before sunrise. 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: Before sunrise. 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 seen by binocular, the crescent was not sought by telescope, the crescent was not sought by CCD Imaging
Eng. Martin Elsaesser said: "The crescent could be seen with the naked eye, despite cold weather floating ice-crystals in the air. We had 25cm of snow on the ground. Mercury and Venus were visible above and to the right of the crescent. "
Indonesia
1 . Time of observation: Before sunrise. Not 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 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
Nigeria
1 . Time of observation: Before sunrise. 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: "Thin crescent."
Thu 13 December 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 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
Indonesia
1 . Time of observation: Before sunrise. 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 sought by binocular, the crescent was not sought by telescope, the crescent was not sought by CCD Imaging
Mr. AR Sugeng Riyadi said: "On Thursday, Dec 13 2012 the old crescent of Muharram 1434 Ah was NOT SEEN from my location, Bendo Ketitang Juwiring Klaten, Central Java Indonesia. All sky was cloudy."
