3 conditions for seeing the Ramadan crescent?

Arab Weather - With the approach of the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims around the world are anticipating the sighting of the crescent moon of the holy month, as the observation process is expected to take place on the evening of Friday, Shaaban 29, 1438 AH. But what are the factors that determine the possibility of seeing the crescent moon? And what are the methods used to observe it?

Methods of determining the beginning of the Hijri months

Islamic countries rely on two main methods to determine the beginnings of lunar months, especially those related to worship such as Ramadan, Shawwal, and Dhul-Hijjah:

1. Investigating the crescent moon with the naked eye or using astronomical devices
2. The crescent moon will be searched for on the evening of the twenty-ninth day of the Hijri month.

If the crescent is not seen, the month is completed with thirty days, based on the hadith:

“Fast when you see it and break your fast when you see it. If it is hidden from you, then complete the number of Sha’ban as thirty.”

Relying on astronomical calculations without the need for sighting

Some countries, such as Türkiye and the European Fatwa Council, rely on precise astronomical calculations to determine the beginning of the month, just as prayer times are calculated, without the need to sight the crescent moon.

The three conditions for seeing the crescent moon

In order for the crescent to be seen on its first night, three basic conditions must be met, otherwise the sighting will not be possible:

1. Astronomical conjunction: indicates the end of the previous lunar cycle and the beginning of a new cycle. This occurs when the moon coincides with the sun at a moment known as the new moon.
2. Moonset after sunset: The crescent must remain in the sky after sunset to be observed. If the moon sets before the sun, sighting is impossible.
3. Duration of the moon's stay in the horizon after sunset: The crescent must remain in the sky for a sufficient period (no less than approximately half an hour) and sometimes the angular distance between the moon and the sun must be at least seven degrees to ensure clear visibility.

Difficulty seeing the crescent in some areas

In some areas, observing the crescent moon is impossible due to its close proximity to the sun or its weak illumination, which is known as the “impossible crescent moon” phenomenon.
This problem may lead to differences in the start date of Ramadan between countries, as some countries rely on sighting while others resort to astronomical calculations to prove the start of the month.

Astronomers Sighting the Ramadan Crescent

Observing the Ramadan crescent moon is an astronomical challenge, as astronomy enthusiasts seek to use modern equipment such as telescopes and binoculars to track it at sunset. The observation process depends on accurately determining the location of sunset, then searching for the crescent moon in the direction expected for its appearance.

Efforts of Arab astronomical observatories

Many astronomical societies conduct organized crescent observations in several countries, including: Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, the Emirates, Algeria, Tunisia, Sudan, Syria, and Palestine, where advanced technologies are used to analyze the possibility of seeing the crescent and provide accurate data about the beginnings of the Hijri months.