Eid Al Fitr crescent’s sighting on March 29 is not possible, says astronomy body
- 8 hours ago
The International Astronomical Institute revealed in a report on Wednesday that sighting the Eid Al Fitr crescent moon on March 29 (Saturday) will be impossible from the eastern part of the world, and will also not be possible from other parts of the Arab and Islamic
The International Astronomical Institute stated on its Twitter account that sighting will only be possible using a telescope from the central and northern parts of the Americas.
Even with a telescope, sighting the crescent moon will be very difficult from the eastern part of the Americas.
The crescent moon will only be visible with the naked eye from the Pacific Ocean to the western United States.
Recently, Ibrahim Al Jarwan, Chairman of the Emirates Astronomy Society and member of the Arab Union for Astronomy and Space Sciences (AUASS), confirmed that the Shawwal Crescent would be born on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at 2:58 pm UAE time.
He explained that it would be about 3 hours after sunset, very thin, not exceeding 0.01% of the lunar surface, parallel to the horizon, and will set five minutes after sunset, while the sun's strong glare will still be shining.
As a result, it is expected to be difficult to sight it, so Sunday 30 March will be the last day of Ramadan, and Monday 31 March will be the first day of Shawwal and the first day of Eid Al Fitr astronomically.
Al Jarwan also indicated that the crescent of Dhul Hijjah would appear on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at 07:02 am UAE time.
It will be at sunset at an age of approximately 12 hours, and will remain above the horizon for approximately 38 minutes after sunset, which makes it likely to be seen that evening.
Consequently, Wednesday, May 28, will mark the commencement of Dhul Hijjah, and Eid Al Adha will consequently fall on Friday, June 6, 2025.
It was emphasised that these calculations are of an astronomical nature, and that the official dates of religious seasons are announced in accordance with Sharia regulations determined by the relevant authorities. It is acknowledged that the determination of these dates is subject to further interpretation.
