Visibility of Sha'ban Crescent 1436 AH
- When to Observe Sha'ban Waxing (NEW) Crescent ?
- Sha'ban Waxing (NEW) Crescent Observation Results
- The OFFICIAL First Day in Different Countries
- When to Observe Rajab Waning (OLD) Crescent ?
- Rajab Waning (OLD) Crescent Observation Results
When to Observe Sha'ban Waxing (NEW) Crescent ?
The geocentric conjunction (Geocentric New Moon) will occur Inshalla on (Monday 18 May 2015) at 04:13 UT.
Sighting the new crescent on (Monday 18 May 2015) and (Tuesday 19 May 2015) 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 19 May 2015 and in the Western Region will be on Tuesday 19 May 2015. 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.
Sha'ban Waxing (NEW) Crescent Observation Results
Mon 18 May 2015
Algeria
1 . Time of observation: After sunset. Not 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 not seen by binocular, the crescent was not sought by telescope, the crescent was not sought by CCD Imaging
France
1 . Time of observation: After sunset. Not Seen: ICOP member Mr. Badredine Billel from Mulhouse City in Alsace 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
Germany
1 . Time of observation: Before sunset .Photographed: ICOP member Eng. Martin Elsaesser from Munich City in Bavaria 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 sought by binocular, the crescent was not sought by telescope, the crescent was seen by CCD Imaging
Eng. Martin Elsaesser said: "Bad conditions, lots of clouds and haze. Clouds moving all the time, insects and other stuff. After 40 minutes of searching and waiting for a proper gap, checking focus and alignment again and again, finally a faint vision. The software/camera had to stare for several seconds to get a clear enough image. "
Ghana
1 . Time of observation: After sunset. Not Seen: ICOP member Mr. Baba Abdulai from Tamale City in Northern 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
Mr. Baba Abdulai said: "Date of sighting effort; Monday 18TH May, 2015. The crescent was NOT seen in this location. I was at the sighting post from about 18:08 to about 18:53 but I did not see the crescent. The sky was largely cloudy. As at 17:40 local time, the sun had already disappeared behind the clouds which covered the western horizon. I actually did not expect to see the crescent since age of moon after conjunction (as at sunset in Tamale) was only about 14 hours, with a moon lag time of about 30 minutes. Sighting community; Tampei-Kukuo Yepalsi, (near Bi-Water reservoir), Tamale."
Hungary
1 . Time of observation: After sunset. Not Seen: ICOP member Dr. M. Al-Majari from M6 City in Tolna 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
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 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 seen by telescope, the crescent was not sought by CCD Imaging
Mr. AR Sugeng Riyadi said: "On Monday, 18 May 2015, the new crescent of Shaban 1436 AH was NOT SEEN from Assalaam Observatory, The Modern Boarding School of Islam ASSALAAM, Kartasura Sukoharjo Central Java Indonesia because the wes horizon was partly cloudy."
Iran
1 . Time of observation: After sunset. Not Seen: ICOP member Mr. Hossein Janghorbani from Shahreza City in Isfahan 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
Mr. Hossein Janghorbani said: "“In the name of God” Sha'ban Crescent Observation Report Astronomy and Geophysics Center of Shahreza – The Crescent Association of Shahreza Report by: Hossein Janghorbani (Najmosepehr-Sadrolmonajemin) – Manager of Shahreza Crescent Association and Red Crescent’s Astronomy and Geophysics Center Date: Monday, 05/18/2015 Location: Damzad Mountaintop beside the historic Tower Senbandy in the East of Shahreza (latitude: 32 00 N, longitude: 51 52 E, elevation: 2325m from sea level, time zone: +4.5 GMT) Equipments: one sets of 15*70 , one compass. Atmospheric condition: Hazy in western horizon. Horizon obstacles: 0° Apparent sunset: -- Actual sunset: 19:54 Results: The crescent moon was not seen because of the Hazy in the western horizon. Observers: 1. Sayed Farzad Alavi. 2. Hossein Janghorbani "
Iraq
1 . Time of observation: After sunset. Not Seen: ICOP member Dr. AbdulSattar M. Khidhir from الموصل City in نينوى 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 seen by telescope, the crescent was not sought by CCD Imaging
Libya
1 . Time of observation: Before sunset . Not Seen: ICOP member Eng. Mohamed Mogerby from طرابلس City in المدينة 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 seen by telescope, the crescent was not seen by CCD Imaging
Eng. Mohamed Mogerby said: "بداية شهر شعبان في ليبيا هو يوم 19 مايو 2015 ."
Malaysia
1 . Time of observation: After sunset. Not Seen: ICOP member Mr. Kassim Bahali from AlKhawarizmi Observatory Tanjung Bidara City in Melaka 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 seen by telescope, the crescent was not sought by CCD Imaging
Morocco
1 . Time of observation: After sunset. Not Seen: ICOP member Dr. Hassan Talibi from بنسليمان City in بنسليمان 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
Nigeria
1 . Time of observation: After sunset. Not Seen: ICOP member Dr. Usman El-Nafaty from Bauchi City in Bauchi 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. Usman El-Nafaty said: "A group of us numbering 6 tried to sight the Sha'aban crescent after sunset. However the western horizon was fairly cloudy so it was not seen. According to Accurate Times visibility curves our location falls within the region where the crescent could only be sighted using optical aids implying that even if the horizon clear the visibility to naked eyes would be extremely difficult. Reports from several other locations in the country also gave negative results. We shall notify ICOP on the official 1st day of Sha'aban in Nigeria as soon the Sultanate Office issues the statement in that regard. Salams. Usman El-Nafaty"
2 . Time of observation: After sunset. Not Seen: ICOP member Mr. Qamarudeen Muhammad from Ilorin 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: "The new hilal of shaban was not visible here"
3 . 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 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. Yunusa Yakubu said: "the condition is not favourable even for optical aid sighting"
Oman
1 . Time of observation: After sunset. Not Seen: ICOP member Prof. Mohammed Al-Bussaidi from Al-Fulaij Observatory 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 seen by telescope, the crescent was not seen by CCD Imaging
Prof. Mohammed Al-Bussaidi said: "The weather condition was not good. The atmosphere was cloudy and hazy. As such the crescent was not sighted."
Saudi Arabia
1 . Time of observation: After sunset. Not Seen: ICOP member Mr. Saleh Al-Saab from Boraydah City in Al gaseem State mentioned that the sky was partly cloudy, 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
2 . Time of observation: After sunset. Not Seen: ICOP member Eng. Muflih Arisa Adnan from Dhahran City in Eastern Province 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
Eng. Muflih Arisa Adnan said: "The sky was very clear but unfortunately the crescent was not seen. "
3 . Time of observation: After sunset. Not Seen: ICOP member Eng. Qamar Uddin from Dammam City in Easter Province 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
Eng. Qamar Uddin said: "I attempted to sight the 11 hrs old moon of Shaban from a high building after sunset and was unable to see it. Unfortunately, I was unable to join the hilal sighting group outside the Dammam city today 18/5/2015, but they didn't see it either."
4 . Time of observation: After sunset. Not Seen: ICOP member Dr. Ayyub Patel from abha City in aseer 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. Ayyub Patel said: "At the time of sunset 6.40pm abha time the western sky was cloudy and visibility was hazy. however a small window did open up in the clouds to witness sunset. goolge sky map showed the moon crescent to be completely dark (too young to form a crescent) and setting just a few minutes after sunset. So the crescent moon was not seen and was not to be seen from this location on this evening from this point in Saudi Arabia. The Ummul Qura preset timetable shows however that Rajab has 29 days and tomorrow the 19th of May is the first of Sha'baan based on their criteria of moon set after sunset. Two photos are attached one showing sunset and the other a few minutes after sunset."
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 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: "I arrived at my sighting location (Blacksburg Middle School) at 8:43 pm EDT (sunset: 8:25 pm). Soon after, using a pair of binoculars (7X50), I started scanning the partly cloudy and hazy western horizon with no success. I ended the session at 8:54 pm (moonset: 9:03 pm)."
Tue 19 May 2015
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 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
Australia
1 . Time of observation: After sunset. Seen: ICOP member Mr. Taymour Nabulsi from Adelaide City in South Australia 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
Bangladesh
1 . Time of observation: After sunset. Seen: ICOP member Mr. ABM Ruhul Hassan from Dhaka City in Bangladesh 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
Egypt
1 . Time of observation: After sunset. Seen: ICOP member Mr. AbdelHamid Ahmed from بنها City in القليوبية 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 seen by telescope, the crescent was not sought by CCD Imaging
France
1 . Time of observation: After sunset. Seen: ICOP member Mr. Badredine Billel from Mulhouse City in Alsace 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
Ghana
1 . Time of observation: After sunset. Seen: ICOP member Mr. Baba Abdulai from Tamale City in Northern 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. Baba Abdulai said: "Date of sighting effort; Tuesday 19TH May, 2015. The crescent was SEEN in this location. I first saw the crescent around 18:25 with a 3 to 7 o’clock kind of orientation, per my observation. With 38 hours after conjunction as at sunset in Tamale, I was quiet sure that I would see the crescent very easily, and rightly so. Moon lag time too was good enough for sighting, about 1 hour and 27 minutes. Sky condition was clear with small traces of thin horizontal clouds. Sighting community; Sagnerigu, Tamale."
Indonesia
1 . Time of observation: Before sunset . Seen: ICOP member Mr. AR Sugeng Riyadi from Surakarta City in Central Java 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 seen by telescope, the crescent was not sought by CCD Imaging
Mr. AR Sugeng Riyadi said: "The new crescent of Shaban 1436 AH was SEEN from Assalaam Observatory, Kartasura Sukoharjo Central Java Indonesia, on Tuesday, 19 May 2015 before Sunset. The crescent was seen on 17:12 LT, and the Sun sets on 17:26 LT. We are the members of CASA (Club Astronomi Santri Assalaam) and the students of Muhammadiyah University of Surakarta."
2 . Time of observation: After sunset. Seen: ICOP member Mr. AR Sugeng Riyadi from Surakarta City in Central Java 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 seen by telescope, the crescent was not sought by CCD Imaging
Mr. AR Sugeng Riyadi said: "The new crescent of Shaban 1436 AH was SEEN from Assalaam Observatory, Kartasura Sukoharjo Central Java Indonesia, on Tuesday, 19 May 2015 after Sunset. We are the members of CASA (Club Astronomi Santri Assalaam) and the students of Muhammadiyah University of Surakarta."
Iran
1 . Time of observation: Before sunset . Seen: ICOP member Mr. Hossein Janghorbani from Shahreza City in Isfahan 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. Hossein Janghorbani said: "In the name of God Sha'ban Crescent Observation Report Astronomy and Geophysics Center of Shahreza – The Crescent Association of Shahreza Report by: Hossein Janghorbani (Najmosepehr-Sadrolmonajemin) – Manager of Shahreza Crescent Association and Red Crescent’s Astronomy and Geophysics Center Date: Tuesday, 5/19/2015 Location: Damzad foothills in the East of Shahreza (latitude: 32 00 N, longitude: 51 52 E, elevation: 1825m from sea level, time zone: +4.5 GMT) Equipments: two set of 15*70, one sets of 25*100 binoculars, one sets of 20*80 binoculars , one compass. Atmospheric condition: Clear. Horizon obstacles: about 2.5° Apparent sunset: 19:42 Results: Moon crescent was seen by 15*70 binoculars by Hossein Janghorbani at 19:20, for the first time. Other group members observed crescent by binoculars subsequently. Other group members observed crescent by naked eye. Observers : 1-Zahra Tahani 2-Roghayeh Krimi 3-Ensieh Javeri 4-Fatemeh Haddad 5-Naiemeh Sadat Saniee 6-Talat Taheri 7-Tayebeh Shafiee 8-Zahra Fallahi 9-Nazanin Piroozmandan 10-Zahra Farokhpoor 11-Fatemeh Tavakoli 12-Ziba Hafar 13-Masoomeh Hafar 14-Zinat Ghermezi 15-Monizheh Ansaripoor 16-Zahra Kaffash 17-Zahra Ghoreishi 18-Zahra Malekian 19-Shahnaz Same 20-Maryam Bagherpoor 21-Simin Farsi 22-Ahmad Eslami 23-Ali Janghorbani 24-Hossein Janghorbani 25-MohammadJavad Nikeghbal 26-Sayed Farzad Alavi 27-Sayed Abolfazl Kahangi "
Iraq
1 . Time of observation: Before sunset . Seen: ICOP member Dr. AbdulSattar M. Khidhir from الموصل City in نينوى 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 seen by telescope, the crescent was not sought by CCD Imaging
Jordan
1 . Time of observation: After sunset. Seen: ICOP member Ms. Basma Dhiab from Amman City in Amman State mentioned that the sky was clear, 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
Ms. Basma Dhiab said: "With a team of 30 pupils at Al-Khamael School,we ( The Jordanian astronomical society members ) have organized a star gazing night. This activity included observation of the sun spots, then sighting Venus and Jupiter. Then after Sunset, it took us nearly 15 minutes to see the crescent of Sha'aban. It was so thin within the haze zone so we saw it first by binocular before we could see it by naked eyes. This photo was taken by Mohammad Reihan. "
2 . Time of observation: After sunset. Seen: ICOP member Dr. Ayman Al-Layla from جبيهة City in عمّان 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
Dr. Ayman Al-Layla said: "وقد تم التقاط الصورة باستخدام عدسة جوال Galaxy SIII"
Libya
1 . Time of observation: After sunset.Seen by others: ICOP member Eng. Mohammed Abdulkarim from البريقة City in البريقة 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
Eng. Mohammed Abdulkarim said: "كانت رؤية الهلال متيسرة للجميعوأرفق لكم صورة الهلال كما تمت مشاهدته."
Malaysia
1 . Time of observation: After sunset. Seen: ICOP member Mr. Kassim Bahali from Kesang Jaya 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 not sought by telescope, the crescent was not sought by CCD Imaging
Nigeria
1 . Time of observation: After sunset.Seen by others: ICOP member Mr. Yunusa Yakubu from Bauchi City in Bauchi 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. Yunusa Yakubu said: "In Bauchi town there exist heavy cloud at the western sky making sighting impossible. However, there was a positive sighting report from Kauran Namoda of Zamfara State by Mallam Ibrahim Abdullahi and five others names are as follows: Mallam Nuru Yahya, Malami Sambo, Rufa'i Fadlu, Zailani Sidi and Jalalu Marafa. there was also a positive sighting from Gombe."
2 . Time of observation: After sunset. Seen: ICOP member Dr. Usman El-Nafaty from Bauchi City in Bauchi State State mentioned that the sky was totally 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
Dr. Usman El-Nafaty said: "The western horizon was totally cloudy here hence it was not possible to see. But many observers from neighboring and distant locations reported sighting the crescent easily. The Office of the Nigerian Sultanate has also issued statement that Wednesday 20th May 2015 is the first of Sha'aban 1436."
Saudi Arabia
1 . Time of observation: After sunset. Seen: ICOP member Mr. Saleh Al-Saab from Boraydah City in Al gaseem 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
2 . Time of observation: After sunset. Not Seen: ICOP member Eng. Qamar Uddin from Dammam City in Easter Province 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: "I was expecting to easily see the 35 hrs old Hilal from Dammam (Saudi Arabia) after sunset, but the sky was totally cloudy so I was unable to see it."
3 . Time of observation: After sunset. Seen: ICOP member Eng. Muflih Arisa Adnan from Dhahran City in Eastern Province 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. Muflih Arisa Adnan said: "The sky was very clear, but in the horizon there was little bit hazy. The crescent was seen very beautiful by naked eye as very thick half circle line. It was very difficult to capture the crescent by mobile phone camera, that is why the picture attached here is not clear enough."
Sri Lanka
1 . Time of observation: After sunset. Seen: ICOP member Mr. Abdul Rahman Razeen from Colombo04 City in Western province State mentioned that the sky was totally 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
Mr. Abdul Rahman Razeen said: "Alhamdulillah!The crescent was sought at Kinniya in the eastern and at Putttalam in the N.western at 6:35 pm. later on it was seen by me and 10 ulama's at above prescribed details."
2 . Time of observation: After sunset.Seen by others: ICOP member Mr. Nular Bary from Borella City in Colombo 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
Mr. Nular Bary said: " Assalamualaikum W R W B. Today 29th. of Rajab 1436H.(19/05/2015) though its a rainy evening in Colombo the Moon was sighted in several places es in the country after Mahrib. Hence our Colombo Grand Mosque Hillal Committee made an announcement in the local media to start the First day of Shaban 1436H "In Sha Allah" on Wednesday 20th May 2015. Nular Bary.(member of C.G.M.H.C.)"
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: "I arrived at my sighting location (The Blacksburg Middle School) at 8:19 pm EDT (sunset: apparent about 8:20 and actual at 8:26 pm). Using a pair of binoculars (7X50), I scanned the mostly clear western horizon. My first binocular sighting was at 8:21 pm. The crescent elevation was about 14 degrees. Soon after, the crescent was seen with naked eye. The horns were at 2:00 and 7:00 O'clock (2:00;4:00;7:00). I left the area before moonset (moonset: 10:02 pm)."
The OFFICIAL First Day in Different Countries
Tue 19 May 2015
1 . Algeria
2 . Bahrain
3 . Egypt
4 . Indonesia
5 . Iraq
6 . Jordan
7 . Kuwait
8 . Lebanon
9 . Libya
10 . Malaysia
11 . Palestine
12 . Qatar
13 . Saudi Arabia
14 . Sudan
15 . Syria
16 . Tunisia
17 . United Arab Emirates
18 . Yemen
Wed 20 May 2015
1 . Australia
2 . Bangladesh
3 . France
4 . Iran
5 . Morocco
6 . Nigeria
7 . Oman
8 . Sri Lanka
When to Observe Rajab Waning (OLD) Crescent ?
The geocentric conjunction (Geocentric New Moon) will occur Inshalla on (Monday 18 May 2015) at 04:13 UT.
Sighting the OLD crescent on (Monday 18 May 2015) and (Sunday 17 May 2015) 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.
Rajab Waning (OLD) Crescent Observation Results
Sat 16 May 2015
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 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. AR Sugeng Riyadi said: "The old crescent of Rajab 1436 AH was very easy seen on Saturday, May 16, 2015 from Assalaam Observatory, PPMI Assalaam Kartasura Sukoharjo Central Java Indonesia. This picture was taken by my female student, Hibah Al-Izzati as member of CASA - Club Astronomi Santri Assalaam."
Iraq
1 . Time of observation: After sunrise. Seen: ICOP member Dr. AbdulSattar M. Khidhir from الموصل City in نينوى 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 seen by telescope, the crescent was not sought by CCD Imaging
Saudi Arabia
1 . Time of observation: Before sunrise. Seen: ICOP member Dr. Ayyub Patel from abha City in aseer 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
Dr. Ayyub Patel said: "Salams Attached photo of Rajab month waning crescent from ABHA Saudi Arabia"
Sun 17 May 2015
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 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 Sunday, May 17, 2015 the old crescent of Rajab 1436 Ah was NOT SEEN from Assalaam Observatory, Kartasura Sukoharjo Central Java Indonesia. The east horizon was cloudy."
Iran
1 . Time of observation: Before sunrise. Seen: ICOP member Eng. Ali Janghorbani from Shahreza City in Isfahan State mentioned that the sky was clear, 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
