Visibility of Sha'ban Crescent 1441 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 (Tuesday 24 March 2020) at 09:28 UT.
Sighting the new crescent on (Tuesday 24 March 2020) and (Wedensday 25 March 2020) 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 26 March 2020 and in the Western Region will be on Wedensday 25 March 2020. 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
Tue 24 March 2020
Algeria
1 . Time of observation: After sunset. Not Seen: ICOP member Mr. Mohammad Alhabib Janahani from قمار City in الوادي 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
Egypt
1 . Time of observation: After sunset. Not Seen: ICOP member Mr. Abdullah Hamed from صفط اللبن City in الجيزة 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
2 . Time of observation: After sunset. Not Seen: ICOP member Mr. Abdullah Hamed from صفط اللبن City in الجيزة 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
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: "It was not sighted in the whole country. Counting from the first the first night of Rajab (Tuesday February 25, 2020) that the New Crescent was seen Tuesday March 24 was our 28th Day count for Rajab 1441 AH. Nevertheless since there was a growing crescent that was about 8 hours old at the the time of our local sunset time of 611pm, we tried to look for the moon but was not seen. Insha'allah and hoping to see it today Wednesday March 25 at the time of our sunset."
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 sought by binocular, the crescent was not sought by telescope, the crescent was not sought by CCD Imaging
Mr. AR Sugeng Riyadi said: "The new crescent of Shaban 1441 AH was not seen on Tuesday, March 24, 2020 from my location at Rowasiya Observatory, Bendo Ketitang Juwiring Klaten Central Java Indonesia. The 1st of Shaban 1441 AH in Indonesia will start on Thursday, March 26, 2020."
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 totally 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
Mr. Hossein Janghorbani said: "In the name of God Sha'ban Crescent Observation Report The Astronomy and Geophysics Center of Shahreza – The Crescent Association of Shahreza Report by: Hossein Janghorbani (NajmoSepehr-Sadrolmonajjemin) – Manager of Shahreza Crescent Association and Red Crescent’s Astronomy and Geophysics Center Date: Tuesday, 03/24/2020 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 binoculars,One compass. Atmospheric condition: totally cloudy Horizon obstacles: about 2.5° Apparent Sunset: --:-- Results: Moon crescent was not seen by binocular. Observers: 1.Mostafa Rahmati 2.Sayed Hossein Chavoshi 3.Ehsan MehrAra 4.Mohammad Rahimifar 5.Ali Hadad 6.MohammadReza Hadad 7.MohammadJavad Nikeghbal 8.MohammadSadra Nikeghbal 9. Eng.Javad Amiri 10.Reza Janghorbani 11.Ali Janghorbani 12.Hossein Janghorbani 13.Shahnaz Soroori 14.Shahnaz Same 15.Shima Parsania 16.Zahra Parsania 17.Zahra Fallahi "
Iraq
1 . Time of observation: Before sunset . Not Seen: ICOP member Mr. Adnan Shaemak from البلديات City in بغداد 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
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 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
2 . Time of observation: After sunset. Not Seen: ICOP member Mr. Abdessamad Doukkane from الناظور City in الشرق 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. Abdessamad Doukkane said: "توصلت جمعية المبادرة المغربية للعلوم والفكر بعدة صور من شمال المغرب إلى الجنوب تثبت بلا أدنى شك عدم ثبوت رؤية هلال شعبان، ونستغرب مما قام اعلنه مرصد تمير رغم عدم ثبوت الرؤية بمختلف مراصد السعودية الأخرى"
3 . Time of observation: After sunset. Not Seen: ICOP member Mr. Walid Jadar from تاوريرت City in تاوريرت 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
4 . Time of observation: After sunset. Not Seen: ICOP member Mr. Hatim El Harrak from طنجة City in طنجة 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
Mr. Hatim El Harrak said: "قمنا قبل قليل بتحري هلال شهر شعبان 1441 هـ مساء الثلاثاء 29 رجب الفرد 1441 هـ الموافق لـ 24 مارس 2020 ولم تتم رؤية الهلال لا بالعين المجردة ولا بالكاميرا canon 500D ذات العدسة 70-300 mm وبذلك تعذر رؤية هلال شهر شعبان 1441 هـ لانتفاء المطالب الخاصة بالرؤية وعليه ففاتح شهر شعبان هو يوم الخميس القادم بحول الله "
Palestine
1 . Time of observation: After sunset. Not Seen: ICOP member Mr. Mosa Jaramneh from مقيبلة City in مرج ابن عامر ( الجلبوع ) 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
Saudi Arabia
1 . Time of observation: After sunset. Not Seen: ICOP member Mr. Sami Al-Harbi from المدينة المنورة City in المدينة المنورة 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. Not Seen: ICOP member Dr. Abdurrazak Ebrahim from Cape Town City in Western Cape 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
United Arab Emirates
1 . Time of observation: Before sunset . Not Seen: ICOP member Eng. Mohammad Odeh from Jabal Jees City in RAK 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 seen by CCD Imaging
Eng. Mohammad Odeh said: "We made the observation from the highest point in UAE at 1850 meters above MSL. From the summit of Jees Mountain in Ras Al-Khaymah Emirate. It was totally cloudy the whole day, hence the crescent was not seen. The observers were: Mohammad Odeh, Osama Ghannam, Anas Mohammad, Jalal Akak."
United States
1 . Time of observation: After sunset. Not Seen: ICOP member Mr. Jim Stamm from Tucson City in Arizona 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 seen by telescope, the crescent was not sought by CCD Imaging
Mr. Jim Stamm said: " New Moon Crescent Observation Report ====================================== Observed: Tuesday; March 24, 2020 at 18:45 (Local Time) Location (WGS 84): Oro Valley, Arizona (USA) Longitude = 110.9652 W Latitude = 32.4205 N Elevation = 838 meters Time Zone = -7.0 hours Surface conditions at location: Temperature = 20.9 °C Dew Point = 2.2 °C Bar. Pressure = 1014 mb Partly cloudy with considerable haze. Topocentric and local time values from “Accurate Times”: Sunset (at sea level) = 18:44 ..Moonset (at sea level) = 19:11 Time from new moon at 18:56 = .16 hr. 42 min. Moon lag time = 27 min. Relative Altitude = 5.6 degrees Elongation from sun = 8.3 degrees Crescent width = 9 arc seconds Illumination = 0.53 percent I expected to see the crescent between the clouds, and there were a couple of relatively clear (but hazy) sections. But no hint of a crescent was ever observed. Observer : Jim Stamm E-mail Address: StammJim@gmail.com"
Wed 25 March 2020
Algeria
1 . Time of observation: After sunset. Seen: ICOP member Mr. Abdellatif Fareh from كوينين City in الوادي 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
Mr. Abdellatif Fareh said: "بفضل من الله و منه، تمت رؤية هلال شهر شعبان 1441 من طرف النادي الفلكي بكوينين، فرغم السحب التي كانت تملأ الأفق الغربي، كانت البداية باستعمال المنظار، ثم تمت مشاهدته بالعين المجردة."
2 . Time of observation: After sunset.Seen by others: ICOP member Dr. Younes Rakour from باتنة City in باتنة 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
Dr. Younes Rakour said: "المعطيات الفلكية: الاقتران المركزي: 24/03/2020 على الساعة 10:28 صباحا الاقتران المحلي السطحي: 24/03/2020 على الساعة 10:05 صباحا غروب الشمس: 18:54 مساءا غروب القمر: 19:56 مساءا عمر القمر: أكثر من 26 ساعة زمن المكث: 62 دقيقة ارتفاع الهلال: 11° الاستطالة: 14° نسبة اضاءة الهلال: 1.6% ----------------------------------- لم نتمكن من رؤية الهلال بسبب سوء الأحوال الجوية، حيث كان الأفق الغربي مملوء بالغيوم الكثيفة، لكن تم تسجيل شهادات موثوقة وغير قابلة للشك لرؤية الهلال في كل من الولايات الجنوبية التالية: بسكرة / الوادي / ورقلة ... جدير بالذكر أن وزارة الشؤون الدينية و الأوقاف الجزائرية أصدرت بيان أن رجب الفرد سيكمل العدة ثلاثين يوما وأن شهر شعبان ستكون غرته 26 مارس 2020...."
Australia
1 . Time of observation: After sunset. Seen: ICOP member Mr. Taymour Nabulsi from Darwin City in NT 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
Bahrain
1 . Time of observation: Before sunset .Photographed: ICOP member Eng. Ali Majeed Al Hajari from عيسى City in الجنوبية 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 seen by CCD Imaging
Eng. Ali Majeed Al Hajari said: "قمر شهر شعبان المعظم لصباح هذا اليوم الأربعاء والموافق 25 مارس 2020 في تمام الساعة (08:05) صباحا بتوقيت مملكة البحرين"
Canada
1 . Time of observation: After sunset. Seen: ICOP member Eng. Mohamad Elzohbi from Calgary City in AB 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
Germany
1 . Time of observation: After sunset. Seen: ICOP member Eng. Gerhard Ahmad Kaufmann from Moerlenbach City in Hessen 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
2 . 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 seen by binocular, the crescent was not sought by telescope, the crescent was not sought by CCD Imaging
Eng. Martin Elsaesser said: "The young crescent was visible with the naked eye with difficulty, but i had arrived late. It was easy to see with binoculars. I took a series of images over the range of several minutes and combined them to show the motion."
Ghana
1 . Time of observation: After sunset.Seen by others: 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 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: "Very bad weather conditions almost in all the Regional capitals in Ghana. It was seen by one of our group platform "MOON ISSUES ONLY" members in Kumasi by name Abdul Rauf Abdul Mumin. According to him he saw it clearly between our local time hours of 6:45 pm and 6:50 pm. It was anyway expected to be seen."
Indonesia
1 . Time of observation: After sunset.Seen by others: 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 sought by telescope, the crescent was not sought by CCD Imaging
Mr. AR Sugeng Riyadi said: " The new crescent of Shaban 1441 AH was not seen on Wednesday, March 25, 2020 from Assalaam Observatory at PPMI Assalaam Pabelan Kartasura Sukoharjo Central Java Indonesia. The sky was cloudy ad hazy. Team of BMKG reported that the new crescent was captured from Ternate and Ambon the East Region of Indonesia. The 1st of Shaban in Indonesia will start on Thursday, March 26, 2020."
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 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. Hossein Janghorbani said: "In the name of God Happy new Years (1399 - In accordance with Iran's official calendar) Sha'ban Crescent Observation Report The Astronomy and Geophysics Center of Shahreza – The Crescent Association of Shahreza Report by: Hossein Janghorbani (NajmoSepehr-Sadrolmonajjemin) – Manager of Shahreza Crescent Association and Red Crescent’s Astronomy and Geophysics Center Date: Wedensday, 03/25/2020 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 binoculars,One compass. Atmospheric condition: totally cloudy Horizon obstacles: about 2.5° Apparent Sunset: --:-- Results: Moon crescent was not seen by binocular and was not seen by naked eye. Mr. Reza Jankhorani, located 15 km from Shahreza – Dehaghan Did not see the crescent moon. Observers: 1.Mostafa Rahmati 2.Mohsen Molaee 3.Sayed Ayoob Mirtavoosi 4.Ali Janghorbani 5.Hossein Janghorbani 6.Shahnaz Soroori 7.Nooshin Yazdani 8.Zakieh Abazari 9.Zahra Fallahi "
Iraq
1 . Time of observation: After sunset. Seen: ICOP member Dr. AbdulSattar M. Khidhir from الموصل City in نينوى 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 seen by telescope, the crescent was not sought by CCD Imaging
2 . Time of observation: After sunset. Seen: ICOP member Mr. Hashim Almoosawi from Al Basrah City in Al Basrah 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 seen by CCD Imaging
Mr. Hashim Almoosawi said: "بسمه تعالى رصد هلال شعبان سنة 1441 بواسطة مرصد البصرة الفلكي https://www.facebook.com/BasraAstronomicalObservatory #Basra_Astronomical_Observatory تمكن المرصد من رصد الهلال منذ الساعة 8:24 صباحا و لكن بصعوبة لوجود غيوم كثيفة نوعا ما و اغبرة و لكن الحال تغير للافضل بعد الظهر اذ تمكن المرصد من التقاط الكثير من الصور بالكاميرا السي سي دي و ايضا بالكاميرا الاعتيادية DSLR. كما تمت رؤية الهلال بالعين المجردة بسهولة قبل المغرب و بعده في عدة مناطق من العراق. تلسكوب نوع: ED127 كامرا: Lumenera LT365R فلتر: 807""
Malaysia
1 . Time of observation: Before sunset .Photographed: ICOP member Mr. Muzamir Mazlan from Telok Kemang Observatory City in Negeri Sembilan 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 sought by telescope, the crescent was seen by CCD Imaging
2 . Time of observation: After sunset. Seen: ICOP member Mr. Mohammad Ariff Mohammad Tajuddin from Semenyih City in Selangor 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
Mr. Mohammad Ariff Mohammad Tajuddin said: "The weather is quite cloudy. There is a hill obstruct the view which we impossible to see moon set behind the real horizon"
Morocco
1 . Time of observation: After sunset. Seen: ICOP member Dr. Hassan Talibi from بنسليمان City in بنسليمان 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
Dr. Hassan Talibi said: "تأكدت رؤية الهلال في مناطق أخرى في المغرب من راصدين آخرين "
2 . Time of observation: After sunset. Seen: ICOP member Mr. Hatim El Harrak from طنجة City in طنجة 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. Hatim El Harrak said: "بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم وبعد تم تحري الهلال مساء اليوم بعد مغرب الأربعاء 30 رجب الفرد 1441 هـ الموافق لـ 25 مارس 2020 م وكانت السماء صافية وتم رؤية الهلال بالعين المجردة وتم تصوير الهلال كذلك بكاميرا كانون 500D بعدسة 300-70 mm وعليه ففاتح شهر شعبان 1441 هـ رسميا هو يوم الغد الخميس 26 مارس 2020 م . أهله الله علينا وعلى الأمة الإسلامية بالخير واليمن والبركات"
3 . Time of observation: After sunset. Seen: ICOP member Dr. Soufiane Assouli from المحمدية City in سيدي موسى 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
Nepal
1 . Time of observation: After sunset. Not Seen: ICOP member Mr. Mohammad Aamir from كاتماندو City in باغمتي 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. Mohammad Aamir said: "لم ير الهلال في أي مكان في نيبال. كان الجو غائما جدا في جهة الغرب. "
Saudi Arabia
1 . Time of observation: After sunset. Seen: ICOP member Mr. Abdullatif Shaheen from جده City in مكه المكرمه 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
United Kingdom
1 . Time of observation: After sunset. Seen: ICOP member Eng. Qamar Uddin from York City in North Yorkshire 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
Eng. Qamar Uddin said: "On Wednesday 25th March 2020, I went out for exercise and on the route, I decided to stop to see the sunset before 6:30 pm which was a beautiful scene MashaAllah (and prayed Maghrib afterwards). The western horizon above sunset was very bright and hazy with the glare of the sun and even though I could see Venus at 6:45 pm with the naked eye, I could not see the crescent moon (Hilal) with binoculars (20x80). However, at 7:02 pm I was able to see the very thin Hilal with binoculars and was hoping to see it with the naked eye within 10-15 minutes (as I wear glasses), but it was very close to the horizon and disappeared behind distant trees after 7:15 pm before I could see it by the naked eye. Unfortunately, the location was not perfect for such a thin Hilal for naked-eye sighting (RGO/Yallop Code B) due to high light pollutions/haze (and coronavirus pandemic restrictions). Fortunately, many of our ICOUK members from other UK cities were able to see the Hilal with the naked eye, Alhamdulillah."
2 . Time of observation: After sunset. Seen: ICOP member Mr. Mohammad Baig from Slough City in Berkshire 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 not sought by telescope, the crescent was not sought by CCD Imaging
Mr. Mohammad Baig said: "It was hazy and behind a tree from my observation hatch in my loft but was visible"
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 at 7:23 pm EDT (sunset: 7:39 pm). The western horizon was mostly clear. Using a pair of binoculars (7X50), I started scanning the horizon. My first binocular sighting of the crescent moon was at 7:35 pm. The naked eye sighting was 15 minutes later at 7:50 pm. The horns were approximately at 2:30 and 7:00 O'clock (2:30;5:00;7:00). I ended the session at 8:21 pm when the moon was several degrees above the horizon and still clearly visible (moonset: 8:55 pm). At 7:35 pm, the temperature, dew point, relative humidity, and pressure were 53.0 F, 41.0 F, 65%, and 29.99 in, respectively."
The OFFICIAL First Day in Different Countries
Wed 25 March 2020
1 . Egypt
2 . Iraq
3 . Tunisia
4 . Turkey
Thu 26 March 2020
1 . Algeria
2 . Australia
3 . Brunei Darussalam
4 . Ghana
5 . India
6 . Indonesia
7 . Iran
8 . Jordan
9 . Libya
10 . Malaysia
11 . Mauritania
12 . Morocco
13 . Oman
14 . Pakistan
15 . Saudi Arabia
16 . South Africa
17 . Syria
18 . United Arab Emirates
19 . United Kingdom
Fri 27 March 2020
1 . Bangladesh
When to Observe Rajab Waning (OLD) Crescent ?
The geocentric conjunction (Geocentric New Moon) will occur Inshalla on (Tuesday 24 March 2020) at 09:28 UT.
Sighting the OLD crescent on (Tuesday 24 March 2020) and (Monday 23 March 2020) 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
Sun 22 March 2020
Algeria
1 . Time of observation: Before sunrise. Seen: ICOP member Eng. Kacem Bankih from بني يزقن City in غرداية 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. Kacem Bankih said: "تمت رؤية الهلال القديم لشهر رجب من منزلنا بكل سهولة. ولم أقم بمتابعته حتى اﻹختفاء وراء أضواء النهار."
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
Mr. AR Sugeng Riyadi said: "The waning crescent of Rajab 1441 AH was seen on Sunday, March 22, 2020 from Rowasiya Observatory, Bendo Ketitang Juwiring Klaten Central Java."
Mon 23 March 2020
Ghana
1 . Time of observation: Before sunrise. Not Seen: ICOP member Mr. Abdul-Aziz Anyang from Accra City in Greater Accra region 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: "According to our sighting in Ghana Jumada Thaani ended 30 days on Tuesday February 25 and hence Wednesday February 26 was the 1st Day of Rajab and today being the 27th Day count for Rajab 1441 AH. Very cloudy all across the country."
