Details from the Sudair Astronomical Observatory regarding the sighting of the Eid crescent moon for 1447 AH
The Astronomical Observatory at Majmaah University in Hawtat Sudair announced the precise details and calculations regarding the sighting of the crescent moon for the month of Shawwal 1447 AH. The observatory confirmed its full readiness to observe the crescent moon according to the standards adopted in the Umm al-Qura calendar, explaining the precise scientific and astronomical conditions for the sunset and moonset times in the skies of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The religious and astronomical importance of observing the Eid crescent moon
The process of sighting the new moon for the Islamic months, and especially the sighting of the Eid crescent, is of paramount importance in the Muslim world. Since the dawn of Islam, religious observances and rituals have been linked to the lunar calendar, with Muslims relying on visual observation to determine the beginnings and ends of each month. In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the wise leadership and the Supreme Court give this matter their utmost attention, with the efforts of religious committees working in conjunction with advanced astronomical observatories to ensure the accuracy of the announcement. This harmony between Islamic jurisprudence and modern astronomy reflects the Kingdom's systematic development, making its announcements a focal point and a reliable source of information for millions of Muslims worldwide in determining the date of Eid al-Fitr.
Astronomical calculations for the first day of investigation
Regarding the numerical details, the Sudair Astronomical Observatory explained that scientific calculations for the day of observation, Wednesday the 29th of Ramadan (corresponding to March 18th), indicate that the moon will set approximately thirty minutes before sunset at the observation site. The data shows that the moon will set at 5:38 PM, while the sun will disappear from view at 6:08 PM, making the sighting of the crescent moon on that day scientifically and practically impossible.
The date of the conjunction and the observation details for the day of completion
The observatory's calculations indicate that the central conjunction will occur, God willing, at dawn on Thursday, the last day of Ramadan, at 4:26 AM Riyadh time. Observatory experts noted that the sun in Mecca will set on Thursday at 6:32 PM, followed by the crescent moon setting at 7:01 PM. At the observatory's location in Hawtat Sudair, the sun will set at 6:08 PM at 269 degrees, and the crescent moon will set at 6:38 PM at 275 degrees. This means the crescent will set 30 minutes after the sun, with an altitude of 6.7 degrees and an elongation of 7.81 degrees, astronomical conditions favorable for observation.
The role of Saudi observatories in guiding the Islamic world
The impact of announcements from Saudi observatories, such as the Sudair Observatory, extends beyond the local level to encompass regional and international spheres. As the custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia represents the foremost religious authority for Muslims. Therefore, the precise sighting of the Eid crescent using the latest astronomical technologies and advanced telescopes directly contributes to the unity of Muslims in their religious celebrations. The efforts exerted by Majmaah University and other relevant authorities enhance the credibility of the announcements and reaffirm the Kingdom's leading role in the field of Islamic astronomy, thus instilling reassurance and certainty in the hearts of Muslims worldwide as they welcome Eid al-Fitr.
