Al-Khudairi: The eclipse complicates the sighting of the Ramadan crescent in Sudair
In significant astronomical developments preceding the sighting of the crescent moon for the holy month of Ramadan, expert observer Abdullah Al-Khudairi, director of the astronomical observatory in Hawtat Sudair, revealed intricate and complex details that may hinder this year's sighting process. Al-Khudairi confirmed that the weather conditions in Sudair appear ideal in terms of clear skies and dust-free air, but the biggest obstacle lies in the rare astronomical circumstances of the sighting coinciding with an annular solar eclipse.
Details of the astronomical dilemma in Sudair
Al-Khudairi explained that the observatory's precise astronomical calculations indicate an exceptional situation; the observation coincides with an annular eclipse, the phases of which will end at 5:27 PM. The technical difficulty lies in the fact that the elongation angle between the centers of the sun and the moon does not exceed one degree, a very small distance that makes distinguishing the crescent extremely difficult, if not impossible, with the naked eye under the direct glare of the sun.
The veteran observer added that the time interval between sunset and moonset (the crescent's visibility) ranges, according to calculations, from only 70 to 75 seconds. These figures present a real challenge for observers, as this period is too short to visually detect the crescent or even with traditional telescopes, thus placing the field teams before a difficult and delicate test.
The strategic importance of the Sudair Observatory
This statement derives its significance from the historical and geographical importance of the Hawtat Sudair Observatory, one of the most important moon-sighting platforms in Saudi Arabia and the region. Sudair's location, with its elevation above sea level and distance from urban light pollution, has made it a reliable reference point for decades, frequently relied upon by the Supreme Court to determine the start of the Islamic months. The Islamic world turns its attention annually to this observatory, given the considerable legal and religious weight of its testimony in establishing the beginning of the holy month.
The role of the Supreme Court and the impact of the event
Given these astronomical data points, which Al-Khudairi described as "technical issues," he emphasized that the final decision and the determination of the start of the month rests exclusively with the Supreme Court. The court is the legally authorized body to collect reports from various observatories in the Kingdom (such as those in Tamir, Mecca, and Sudair) and to weigh visual evidence against astronomical data.
The Saudi and Islamic public awaits the court’s decision, as the inability to sight the crescent moon due to these astronomical conditions may mean completing the month of Sha’ban with thirty days. This confirms the Kingdom’s commitment to the Sharia approach based on visual sighting, while taking into account astronomical calculations to adjust expectations and negate the impossible, reflecting an integration between Sharia science and modern astronomy.
