Visibility of Thul Hijjah Crescent 1431 AH
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When to Observe Thul Hijjah Waxing (NEW) Crescent ?
The geocentric conjunction (Geocentric New Moon) will occur Inshalla on (Saturday 06 November 2010) at 04:52 UT.
Sighting the new crescent on (Saturday 06 November 2010) and (Sunday 07 November 2010) 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.
Saturday 06 November 2010
Sunday 07 November 2010
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 Sunday 07 November 2010 and in the Western Region will be on Sunday 07 November 2010. Hence, the first day of Eid Al-Adha in both regions will be on Tuesday 16 November 2010 Inshalla. 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.
Thul Hijjah Waxing (NEW) Crescent Observation Results
06 November 2010
Malaysia
1. Not Seen: ICOP member Mr. Kassim Bahali from Tg 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 seen by binocular, the crescent was not seen by telescope, the crescent was not sought by CCD Imaging
Mr. Kassim Bahali said: "The hilal sighting ceremony was held at Al Khawarizmi observatory at Tg. Bidara Melaka, led by the Mufti of Melaka state and more 100 muslim communities gathered here to observed the hilal but the hilal was not seen. The western sky was partly cloudy . The hilal was not seen even through the Meade 8” LX200, giant binocular and Theodolite . The 1st Zulhijah 1431 begins on Monday , 8 November, was officially announced by the authority through the radio and TV channels."
Norway
1. Not Seen: ICOP member Eng. Imran Mushtaq from Sandvika City in Akershus 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. Imran Mushtaq said: "According to Islamic Council of Norway , the Hijricalender agreement for Norway, the 1st Dhul Hijja starts on sunday 7.11.2010 and Eid-ul-Adha will inshaAllah be 16.11.2010.
Blessed Hajj and Eid."
Pakistan
1. Not Seen: ICOP member Mr. Alam Sultan from karachi City in sindh 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
Mr. Alam Sultan said: "Not seen all over Pakistan and in Madinah and Dhahran (Saudi Arabia)
Today, on my request, nearly 100 persons ( members of the moon-sighting committees of our institute "JAMIA-TUR-RASHEED" + my friends + their companions) tried to sight the moon all over Pakistan at more than 21 places but the moon could not be sighted, as it was astronomically expected tonight. Almost it was clear sky all over Pakistan.
Note 1: Today (Saturday, 6 November 2010 = Pakistan: 28 Zul-qa'dah 1431 / Saudi Arabia also 28 Zul-qa'dah according to official announcement based on visibility of moon / according to ummul-Qura calendar 29 Zul-qa'dah), it was certain that the crescent would not be sighted anywhere in Pakistan because moonset was before sunset all over Pakistan and nearly with the sun all over Saudi Arabia. Moreover, it was 28th day in both Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, therefore there was no need to try to sight the moon in Pakistan, but in spite of these facts, I requested our members in Pakistan to sight the moon due to 2 reasons: (1) To increase the trust of common people in the Science of Moon-sighting (2) People were confused due to incomprehensible official Saudi call to sight the moon on 28th day in Saudi Arabia.
Note 2: My 2 respected teacher and friend are this time in Madinah (Saudi Arabia). They tried to sight the moon by naked eyes but not sighted as it was expected astronomically. Sky was clear.
Note 3: Br Qaiser Imam of hilalsighting.org, also informed me that he tried to see the moon in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia but he was not able to see the moon.
Note 4: Saudi supreme court has announced that moon has been sighted in Saudia thus Sunday 7th November is 1st Zul-hijjah in Saudia"
Saudi Arabia
1. Not Seen: ICOP member Eng. Qamar Uddin from Jabal Khandamah City in Makkah 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
Eng. Qamar Uddin said: "This report was sent by email to ICOUK by Shaykh Sulayman Gani from UK, visiting Makkah for Hajj. Shaykh Sulayman Gani Said: "On Saturday 6 November, I took a taxi to Jabal Khandamah in Makkah Makarramah before Maghrib Salaat. We reached the top of the mountain well before sunset. The two of us attempted sighting of the hilal for the month of Dhil Hijjah with the naked eye after sunset. It was very misty below the western horizon. The hilal could NOT be sighted with the naked eye. Please see attached photos taken with blackberry phone." Note that none of the 10 Saudi Hilal Committees saw the Dhul Hijjah Hilal on (6 Novemeber 2010) by naked eye, binoculars or telescopes. However, the usual persons from near Riyadh (Shaqra) claimed sighting, which were accepted by the Saudi Supreme Court."
2. Not Seen: ICOP member Mr. Saleh Al-Saab from Riyadh City in Riyadh 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. Saleh Al-Saab said: "The crescent was 0.25 of one degree above horizon at sunset."
South Africa
1. Not Seen: ICOP member Dr. Abdurrazak Ebrahim from Cape Town City in Western Province State mentioned that the sky was clear, 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
Trinidad and Tobago
1. Not Seen: ICOP member Mr. Abdurrahman Ali from cunupia City in none 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
United Kingdom
1. 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 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: "On Saturday 6 November 2010 (29 Dhul Qaidah 1431 AH) many people from throughout UK have attempted to sight the crescent moon (Hilal) of Dhul Hijjah after sunset. None of the groups were able to sight the Hilal even though some places had clear sky (see photos). We have not received any reliable sighting news (Muhaqaq Ruyat-e-Basari) from any countries east of UK/Morocco either (including negative sighting report from South Africa).
Therefore, the Ulama in UK (including Wifaq/Bately) have decided that the month of Dhul Qaidah 1431 AH will complete 30 days and the month of Dhul Hijjah 1431 AH will start from Monday 8 November 2010 (i.e. Eid ul Adha on Wednesday 17 November 2010), Insha-Allah. Eid Mubarak to all Muslims. May Allah accept our celebrations and sacrifices (Ameen)."
United States
1. Not 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 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: "This evening, the crescent moon of Thul Hijjah was not sighted in Blacksburg, VA, using optical aids (binoculars: 7X50 and 10X50). I arrived at my sighting location at 5:54 (sunset: 6:18 pm EDT) and started looking for the crescent in the expected area within a clearing streak in a mostly cloudy western horizon. I stayed there till 6:34 pm (moonset: 6:28 pm EDT). At 6:20 pm, the temperature, relative humidity, and pressure were 2 C, 56%, and 1025 mbar, respectively. Earlier today, using binoculars I attempted a daytime sighting with no success. The sighting was on and off for a period of about 4 hrs starting around noon. Venus was sighted at 12:25 pm, first with a pair of binoculars and then with naked eye."
07 November 2010
Algeria
1. Seen: ICOP member Mr. Houcine Chikh Aissa from Ghardaia City in Ghardaia 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 not sought by telescope, the crescent was not sought by CCD Imaging
Mr. Houcine Chikh Aissa said: "More than 21 persons were prensent in N'tissa station. Thul Hijjah 1431 crescent was seen by naked eyes and by binoculars (03). Aide Mubarek for all Muslimeen, thank's"
Australia
1. Seen: ICOP member Mr. Afroz Ali from Sydney City in NSW 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. Afroz Ali said: "The crescent on 7th November was sighted in numerous cities around Australia."
Bangladesh
1. Seen: ICOP member Mr. ABM Hassan from Dhaka City in Bangladesh 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. ABM Hassan said: "The crescent was seen right after the sunset. We received first sighting report from coxsbazar our eastern-southern part of the country.The sky was clear and atmospheric condition was superb."
Germany
1. Not Seen: ICOP member Eng. Gerhard Ahmad Kaufmann from Moerlenbach City in Hessen State mentioned that the sky was totally 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
Ghana
1. Seen by others: ICOP member Mr. Abdul-Aziz Anyang from Accra City in Greater Region 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: "The National Hilal members from the office of the National Chief Imam of which I am a member met yesterday at 1530 GMT to deliberate on which day and date to celebrate the Eid Adha. Usually with Idil Adha, whatever decision that comes from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) is accepted even if it is not the correct date for the day of Arafat (in this case Monday the 15th of November, 2010). During the meeting I presented documents from the KSA indicating that their day of celebration is Tuesday the 16th of November, 2010. I then explained that it was not possible for the KSA to sight the crescent on Saturday November 6, 2010 at their local time as it was just not possible. Ghana on that day (November 6, 2010) had a very clear weather but no crescent was seen on that day. If really the KSA had seen the actual crescent (which they did not see), Ghana will have seen it too. They are just following their latest criteria of “if the moon sets after the sun by even a second”! How is it possible to claim under these local Sunset and Moonset times in the KSA that the crescent for Dhul Hijja 1430 AH had been seen under these local Sunset (SS) and Moonset (MS) times? (Makkah – SS 5.42pm & MS 5.47pm), (Riyadh – SS 5.10pm & MS 5.12pm) and (Madina – SS 5.39pm & MS 5.42pm). I made it clear that it is time not to follow the KSA in the celebration of Idil Adha if it is clear that they are not following the truth.
Yesterday (Sunday November 07, 2010) at our local time 1815 hrs we had a very cloudy weather at my area but the it was seen by one of the groups who are fisher folks by the coastline. With this confirmation, Tuesday Nov 16th should have been the day of Arafat and Wednesday November 17th Idlil Adha, but as it stands now, decision based on KSA had been accepted; hence Tuesday November 16th will be the day of celebration.
I know the jihad by muslim groups all over the world(even some in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) are doing their best to let the KSA do the right thing, but these our brothers in KSA will just not listen. It is time those countries that follow wrongful decisions coming from the KSA in the start of the two major festivals in the Islamic lunar calendar to refrain from doing so and accept only the right decisions.
"
Iran
1. Seen: ICOP member Mr. Mohamad Soltanolkottabi from Esfahan City in Esfahan 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
Iraq
1. Seen: ICOP member Dr. AbdulSattar Khidhir from Mosul City in Ninavah 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. AbdulSattar Khidhir said: "Some strips of dark clouds were seen at the altitudes between 2-4 degrees above west horizon which was orange to red.
The crescent appeared down from the lowest strip which was about 2 degrees above the horizon.
It was completely seen under this horizon and lasts about 2-3 minutes. Its color was orange. It dissappeared in the dark backgound about 1 degree above the apparent horizon.
I used redshift 7 to help esitmating the crescent position and times.
My son Mohammed_Younis (13 years old) had also seen it."
Oman
1. 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 seen by telescope, the crescent was seen by CCD Imaging
Prof. Mohammed Al-Bussaidi said: "The western sky was very clouded. We managed to image it with a Takahashi FSQ 106ED and CCD."
Pakistan
1. Seen by others: ICOP member Mr. Alam Sultan from karachi City in sindh State mentioned that the sky was clear, 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: "Not seen by me / Easily seen by other countrywide
On my request, Today (Sunday, 7 November 2010 = 29 Zul-qa'dah 1431 in Pakistan) more than 200 persons (Members of the moon-sighting committees of our institute "JAMIA-TUR-RASHEED" + my friends + their companions) easily sighted the crescent at more than 9 places countrywide. As it was very hazy in Karachi hence I and my other friends could not sight the moon in Karachi.
Note 1: Chairman of central official moon sighting committee of Pakistan mufti Munee-bur-Rahman told me on my mobile phone that they have sighted the moon in Islamabad and have received many positive reports countrywide thus he officially announced that 1st Zul-hijjah 1431 will be on Monday 8 November 2010 in Pakistan after ending the 29 days of Zul-qa'dah 1431.
Note 2: After some days, inshaallah, a detailed report of this observation will be available at www.esnips.com/web/moonnewsofjamiaturrasheed
"
Saudi Arabia
1. Seen by others: ICOP member Eng. Qamar Uddin from Jabal Khandamah City in Makkah 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. Qamar Uddin said: "This report was sent by email to ICOUK by Shaykh Sulayman Gani from UK, visiting Makkah for Hajj. Shaykh Sulayman Gani Said: "On Monday, 8 November here in the Holy City of Makkah Mukarramah the five of us sighted the hilal easily after the sunset with the naked eye from the top of Jabal (mountain) Khandamah. Easily visible on the top and slightly to the right of the New Clock Tower. Please see the attached photos taken with blackberry phone". Note that the majority of the UK ulama (including Wifaq, Batley, Confederation of Sunni Mosques etc) have agreed to start the month of Dhul Hijjah 1431 from Monday 8 November 2010 (i.e. Eid-ul Adha on Wednesday 17 November 2010), Insha-Allah."
2. Seen: ICOP member Mr. Saleh Al-Saab from Riyadh City in Riyadh 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
United Arab Emirates
1. Not Seen: ICOP member Eng. Mohammad Odeh from Musaffah City in Abu Dhabi 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
United States
1. Seen: ICOP member Dr. Javad Torabinejad from Blacksburg City in VA 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: "Today (Sunday, November 07, 2010), my daughter, and I were able to sight the moon in Blacksburg, VA. Upon arrival at our sighting location, we sighted the crescent at 5:36 pm EST with naked eye (sunset at 5:17 pm EST). At 5:44, the crescent was about 4.5 degrees above the horizon. The horns were at 1:30 and 6:30 O'clock (1:30;3:30;6:30). At 5:40 pm, the temperature, dew point, relative humidity, and pressure were 6 C, -5 C, 46%, and 1024 mbar, respectively. We left at 6:00 (moonset at 6:19 pm EST). The sky was clear with some haze.
Earlier in the day, around 11:32 am EST, I tried a daytime crescent sighting with success. At 11:50 am, I was able to see Venus, first using a pair of binoculars (7X50) followed by naked eye. Eight minutes later, at 11:58 am EST, I sighted the crescent using the binoculars. The horns were at 11:45 and 3:45 (11:45;1:45;3:45). Later, my daughter, son, and wife sighted the moon as well, using the binoculars. At 12:00, the temperature, dew point, relative humidity, and pressure were 6 C, -4 C, 49%, and 1028 mbar, respectively. It took three more hours before I was able to see the moon with naked eye at 2:58 pm. At 3:00 pm, the temperature, dew point, relative humidity, and pressure were 7 C, -5 C, 43%, and 1025 mbar, respectively. I stopped following the moon at 3:16 pm. The sky was mostly clear with passing clouds and hazy. Note: I used the Sky & Telescope Interactive Sky Chart.
"
The OFFICIAL First Day in Different Countries
07 November 2010
1. Ghana
2. Iraq
3. Norway
4. Oman
5. Bahrain
6. Egypt
7. Iraq
8. Jordan
9. Kuwait
10. Lebanon
11. Libya
12. Palestine
13. Qatar
14. Sudan
15. Syria
16. United Arab Emirates
17. Yemen
18. Saudi Arabia
08 November 2010
1. South Africa
2. Trinidad and Tobago
3. United Kingdom
4. Pakistan
5. Malaysia
6. Indonesia
7. Iran
8. Australia
9. Bangladesh
When to Observe Thul Kea'dah Waning (OLD) Crescent ?
The geocentric conjunction (Geocentric New Moon) will occur Inshalla on (Saturday 06 November 2010) at 04:52 UT.
Sighting the OLD crescent on (Saturday 06 November 2010) and on (Friday 05 November 2010) 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.
Saturday 06 November 2010
Friday 05 November 2010
Thul Kea'dah Waning (OLD) Crescent Observation Results
05 November 2010
Germany
1. Seen: 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 seen by binocular, the crescent was not sought by telescope, the crescent was seen by CCD Imaging
Eng. Martin Elsaesser said: "The old crescent of 5. November was very close to venus, when it rose in the south east. This should have been a beautiful sight, but layers of clouds made the observation difficult. Arriving somewhat late at the site, i missed the actual moonrise, but had my first view of venus, when the moon had already entered the lowest layer of clouds.
I could see venus repeatedly through the clouds during the next half hour, but was not able to visually spot the thin lunar crescent (using a pair of 8x32 binoculars) through the moving and distracting clouds.
Still, as i also took many images with a DSLR and a 500mm lens, i could identify the crescent on these images later. So, this probably counts as "Seen by CCD imaging"."
Spain
1. Seen: ICOP member Mr. Abdel Karim As-Saraqusti from Zaragoza City in Aragon State mentioned that the sky was partly cloudy, the atmospheric condition was clear, 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
Mr. Abdel Karim As-Saraqusti said: "It was cloudy at the horizon over 2 or 3 degrees, and it was coming more clouds from the south, so i have only five minutes between venus and moon rises from the clouds until booth disappeared in more clouds, but i did it. It's was difficult because i was not able to see the moon with naked eyes, only with binoculars, and the photo it's made at 300mm with an aps-c dslr camera (equivalent 480mm in full frame), venus was easy seen by naked eyes, and it's very close to the moon, a great extreme conjuction."
United Kingdom
1. 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 Friday 5 November 2010 morning I have tried to sight the waning crescent of Dhul Qaidah 1431, but the sky was totally cloudy, I was unable to sight the old crescent."