Visibility of Sha'ban Crescent 1444 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 20 February 2023) at 07:06 UT.
Sighting the new crescent on (Monday 20 February 2023) and (Tuesday 21 February 2023) 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 21 February 2023 and in the Western Region will be on Tuesday 21 February 2023. 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 20 February 2023
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 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
Egypt
1 . Time of observation: After sunset. Not Seen: ICOP member Mr. Abdullah Hamed from الجيزة 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
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: "The new crescent of Shaban 1444 AH was not seen on Monday, 20 of February 2023 from Assalaam Observatory, at The Islamic Modern Boarding School ASSALAAM at Pabelan Kartasura Sukoharjo Central Java Indonesia. The sky was partly cloudy and the moon altitude was still below of Danjon Limit. "
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 clear, 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: Monday , 02/20/2023 Location: Damzad foothills in the East of Shahreza (latitude: 32 00 N, longitude: 51 52 E, elevation: 1825m from sea level, time zone: +3.5 GMT) Equipments: Two set of 20*90 binoculars, One compass. Atmospheric condition: clear Horizon obstacles: about 2° Apparent Sunset: 17:42 Results: Moon crescent was not seen by binocular. Observers: 1.Reza Janghorbani 2.Ali Janghorbani 3.Hossein Janghorbani 4.Beh Yade Shadravan banoo Zahra Fallahi "
Mauritania
1 . Time of observation: After sunset. Not Seen: ICOP member Dr. Elkhalil Maouloud from انواكشوط City in تفرغ زينة 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. Elkhalil Maouloud said: "لم توصل اللجنة الوطنية للاهلة بأي ادعاء لرؤية الهلال هذه الليلة"
Morocco
1 . Time of observation: After sunset. Not Seen: ICOP member Mr. Hatim El Harrak from طنجة City in طنجة 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 seen by CCD Imaging
Mr. Hatim El Harrak said: "تعذر رؤية هلال شهر شعبان 1444هـ من مدينة طنجة مساء الإثنين 29 رجب الفرد 1444 هـ الموافق لـ 20 فبراير 2023 وذلك بسبب الغيوم الكثيف التي غطت الأفق والسماء بشكل عام "
Oman
1 . Time of observation: After sunset. Not Seen: ICOP member Prof. Mohammed Al-Bussaidi from Al-Khoudh, Seeb City in Muscat State mentioned that the sky was clear, the atmospheric condition was clear, the crescent was not sought 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
Palestine
1 . Time of observation: After sunset. Not Seen: ICOP member Mr. Mahmoud Abdul-Jawad from دير بلوط City in سلفيت 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
Tunisia
1 . Time of observation: After sunset. Not Seen: ICOP member Mr. Naser Barbourah from المهدية City in المهدية 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 not sought by CCD Imaging
Mr. Naser Barbourah said: "لم اتمكن من رصد هلال شهر شعبان 1444 رغم صفاء الجو و جل البرامج الكمبيوتر اكدت صعوبة رصد الهلال نهار اليوم ."
United Arab Emirates
1 . Time of observation: After sunset. Not Seen: ICOP member Eng. Ibrahim Ghneimat from نزوى City in دبي 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 seen by CCD Imaging
2 . Time of observation: Before sunset . Not Seen: ICOP member Eng. Mohammad Odeh from الختم City in أبوظبي 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 not seen by CCD Imaging
Eng. Mohammad Odeh said: "AOD = 0.2 Observers: Anas Mohammad and Mohammad Odeh"
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 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
Eng. Qamar Uddin said: "It was a cloudy forecast in York today (20/2/2023) but in practice, there was a patch of clear sky near the sunset position where the moon (at 1° altitude) was expected to be seen (see photos) but it was not seen."
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 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
Dr. Javad Torabinejad said: "I arrived at my sighting location at 5:59 pm EST (sunset at 6:01 pm). The western horizon was cloudy and hazy. At 6:30 pm, I decided to leave the area (moonset 6:38 pm)."
Tue 21 February 2023
Bahrain
1 . Time of observation: Before sunset . Seen: 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 seen by telescope, the crescent was seen by CCD Imaging
Eng. Ali Majeed Al Hajari said: "رصد قمر شهر شعبان 1444 هجري نهارا في تمام الساعة (08:21) صباحا لأفق البحرين."
Egypt
1 . Time of observation: After sunset. Seen: ICOP member Eng. Ahmed Esawy from طنطا City in الغربية 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 seen by CCD Imaging
2 . Time of observation: After sunset. Seen: ICOP member Eng. Khaled Abdelrahman from القاهرة City in القاهرة State mentioned that the sky was partly cloudy, 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
Iran
1 . Time of observation: After sunset. Seen: ICOP member Mr. Hossein Janghorbani from Shahreza City in Isfahan 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. 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 , 02/21/2023 Location: Damzad foothills in the East of Shahreza (latitude: 32 00 N, longitude: 51 52 E, elevation: 1825m from sea level, time zone: +3.5 GMT) Equipments: One set of 15*70 binoculars, One compass. Atmospheric condition: Partly cloudy and Hazy Horizon obstacles: about 2° Apparent Sunset: 17:42 Results: Moon crescent was seen by 15*70 binoculars by Hossein Janghorbani at 18:00, for the first time. Other group members observed crescent by binoculars subsequently. Moon crescent was seen by naked eye by Hossein Janghorbani at 18:01 for the first time. Other group members observed crescent by naked eye subsequently. Observers: 1. Hossein Janghorbani 2.Ali Janghorbani 3.Nazanin Piroozmandan 4.be yade shadravan banoo Zahra Fallahi" "
Palestine
1 . Time of observation: After sunset. Seen: ICOP member Mr. Mahmoud Abdul-Jawad from ديربلوط City in سلفيت 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
Saudi Arabia
1 . Time of observation: After sunset. 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 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
United Arab Emirates
1 . Time of observation: After sunset. Seen: ICOP member Dr. Belal Alshammaa from دبي City in دبي 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 seen 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 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
Eng. Qamar Uddin said: "The three of us (I, Dr Bashir Dodo and Aqeale Peero) saw the Shaban 1444 Hilal from York today (21/2/2023) at 17:45 hrs GMT, soon after we prayed Maghrib at 17:30 hrs GMT (sunset was at 17:25 GMT). We arrived at the location at 17:00 hrs and clearly saw the sunset position and estimated the position of the moon to be about 10° to the left of sunset, well above a landmark on the western horizon. We saw the Hilal with the naked eye exactly at the position estimated and our group members were really pleased to witness the moon first-hand where it was predicted, Alhamdulillah [bit.ly/Results1444-08a]"
United States
1 . Time of observation: Before 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: "At 1:49 pm EST, using a pair of binocular (7X50), I looked for the moon. My binocular sighting was at 1:52 pm followed by naked eye sighting at 2:00 pm. The horns were at 2:00 and 5:30 o'clock (2:00;3:30;5:30); this determination was with binoculars only as the moon was not clearly visible with naked eye."
2 . 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: " arrived at my sighting location at 5:46 pm EST (Apparent sunset: 6:04 pm, setting behind distant trees). The western horizon was mostly clear and hazy. Using a pair of binoculars (7X50), I scanned the horizon. This time, I sighted the crescent moon first at 5:48 pm and then Venus. My first naked eye sighting was 5:50 pm. The horns were at 2:30 and 7:30 o'clock (2:30;5:00;7:30). Venus and Jupiter were seen with the binoculars at 5:53 pm and 6:11 pm, respectively. The naked eye sighting of them were respectively at 5:56 pm and 6:21 pm. I left the sighting location well before the moonset (moonset: 7:58 pm)."
The OFFICIAL First Day in Different Countries
Tue 21 February 2023
1 . Bahrain
2 . Egypt
3 . Iraq
4 . Kuwait
5 . Libya
6 . Niger
7 . Palestine
8 . Qatar
9 . Saudi Arabia
10 . Tunisia
11 . Turkey
12 . United Arab Emirates
13 . Yemen
Wed 22 February 2023
1 . Afghanistan
2 . Algeria
3 . Bangladesh
4 . Brunei Darussalam
5 . Cote dIvoire
6 . India
7 . Indonesia
8 . Iran
9 . Jordan
10 . Malaysia
11 . Mauritania
12 . Morocco
13 . Nigeria
14 . Oman
15 . Pakistan
16 . United Kingdom
When to Observe Rajab Waning (OLD) Crescent ?
The geocentric conjunction (Geocentric New Moon) will occur Inshalla on (Monday 20 February 2023) at 07:06 UT.
Sighting the OLD crescent on (Monday 20 February 2023) and (Sunday 19 February 2023) 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 18 February 2023
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 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 old crescent of Rajab 1444 AH was not sighted on Saturday, 18 Feb 2023 from Assalaam Observatory, at PPMI Assalaam Pabelan Kartasura Sukoharjo Central Java Indonesia. The sky was cloudy and hazy."
Palestine
1 . Time of observation: Before sunrise. Seen: ICOP member Mr. Mahmoud Abdul-Jawad from ديربلوط City in سلفيت 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
Saudi Arabia
1 . Time of observation: Before sunrise. 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 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 sunrise. Seen: ICOP member Dr. Belal Alshammaa from دبي City in دبي 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 seen by telescope, the crescent was seen by CCD Imaging
Dr. Belal Alshammaa said: "يظهر في الصورة المرفقة الهلال في الزاوية العلوية اليمنى وكوكب عطارد في الزاوية السفلية اليسرى "
United States
1 . Time of observation: Before sunrise. 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 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 6:24 am EST (moonrise: 6:16 am). The eastern horizon was clear. Using a pair of binoculars (7X50), I started looking for the crescent. My first binocular sighting of the crescent moon was at 6:30 am as the moon was coming up from behind distant trees. Soon after, I saw it with the naked eye. The horns were approximately at 6:00 and 11:00 O'clock (6:00;8:30;11:00). While I was leaving the area at 6:46 am, I still could see the moon (sunrise: 7:03 am)."
Sun 19 February 2023
Palestine
1 . Time of observation: Before sunrise. Not Seen: ICOP member Mr. Mahmoud Abdul-Jawad from ديربلوط City in سلفيت 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 sunrise.Photographed: ICOP member Dr. Belal Alshammaa from دبي City in دبي State mentioned that the sky was clear, the atmospheric condition was clear, the crescent was not sought by naked eye, the crescent was not seen by binocular, the crescent was not seen by telescope, the crescent was seen by CCD Imaging
Dr. Belal Alshammaa said: "لم أتمكن من رؤية الهلال مباشرة من خلال المنظار أو المرقب؛ لكن بعد مراجعة الصور على شاشة كبيرة وجدته في أكثر من صورة، كما هو مرفق في الصورة الأولى؛ والصورة الثانية هي نفس الأولى لكن بعد معالجتها قليلًا بالفوتوشوب لتوضيح مكان الهلال من الصورة. كان وقت إلتقاط هذه الصورة حوالي الساعة 6:47 بتوقيت دبي، أي قبيل شروق الشمس بحوالي ثلاثة دقائق"
Mon 20 February 2023
Palestine
1 . Time of observation: Before sunrise. Not Seen: ICOP member Mr. Mahmoud Abdul-Jawad from ديربلوط City in سلفيت 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
