Moonsighting for Jumada-al-Thani 1433
1433 AH
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Old Crescent Moon seen on April 20, 2012 from Iran

Observer & photographer: Alireza Mehrani
Date: Friday April 20, 2012
Location: Esfahan, Iran
Latitude: 32� 35' 40.01" N --- Longitude: 51� 39' 28.35" E
Elevation: 1772 meters from sea level -- Time zone: +4.5

Topocentric and local time values from "Moon Calculator" (Refrac off):
Time: 05:57 LT (01:27 UT)
Moon Alt: 2� 54' 03"
Sun Alt: - (7� 06' 24")
Elongation: 13� 27' 04"
Rel Azi: 9� 00' 20"
Moon Width: 0.41'
Moon Phase: 1.52%
Moon Age: 29h 51m before conjunction

Observer: Jim Stamm

Unable to see by telescope: Friday; April 20, 2012
Location (WGS 84) = Tucson, Arizona (USA)
Longitude = 110.9651 W --- Latitude = 32.4206 N
Elevation = 842 meters --- Time Zone = -7.0 hours
Surface conditions at location: --- Temperature = 15 �C --- Humidity = 31% --- Pressure = 29.85 in.

Only slight haze and nearby thin banded cirrus kept the sky from being perfect.

Magnitude limit at 7 degrees altitude with 80 power in C-8 telescope, before onset of twilight = 11.0

Topocentric and local time values from �Accurate Times�:
Moonrise (at sea level) = 05:09 -- Sunrise (at sea level) = 05:43
Time from new moon at 05:53 = 18 hr. 47 min.
Moon lag time = 34 min.
Relative Altitude = 6.9 degrees
Elongation from sun = 8.5 degrees
Crescent width = 10 arc seconds
Illumination = 0.5 percent
I was NOT able to see the crescent, even through a telescope. The sky seemed to be more clear than last month, and I speculate that either 31% humidity is too much, or the crescent�s altitude lessened its contrast, thus making it invisible. Location and focus were precise. Observer(s): Jim Stamm

New Crescent Moon Details

The Astronomical New Moon is on April 21, 2012 (Saturday) at 7:18 UT. On Saturday, April 21, it can not be seen anywhere in the world by naked eye. It is possible in North America that using telescope, it can be seen. On Sunday, April 22, 2012, it can easily be seen in Asia, Europe, Africa and Americas, but not in Australia (See visibility curves).

Sighting Reports

The earliest telescope sighting of the new moon was on April 21 from Tucson, AZ, USA by Jim and Chris Stamm, while the earliest naked eye sighting was from Malaysia on April 22.

Saturday, 21 April 2012:

  • Canada:

    1. Not Seen: HiMY SYeD (MCW member) from Toronto Ontario reported: Due to complete overcast skies all days and into the evening, no moonsighting attempt was possible. After praying Maghrib and exiting Masjid Toronto in downtown, skies were still completely overcast. Therefore this is a Negative Moonsighting report from Downtown Toronto for Saturday April 21 2012.

  • Germany:

    1. Seen by CCD Imaging: ICOP Member Martin from Germany reported: I succeeded in seeing the crescent by CCD Imaging from Germany. This is a new World Crescent Record by CCD Imaging at Just 4.23 degrees elongation. ICOP

  • Morocco:

    1. Not Seen: Ehsan H. Hajar (MCW member) from Casablanca reported: Casablanca sky was obscured practically all day & did not allow Hilal sighting after Sunset. I doubt any positive sighting was in the kingdom of Morrocco (for Jumada Al-Ukhra 1433).

  • UK:

    1. Not Seen: Qamar Uddin (MCW member) from York reported: On Saturday, 21 April 2012 (29 Jumada al-Ula 1433 AH) many people from throughout UK have attempted to sight the crescent moon (Hilal) of Jumada Al-Ukhra after sunset. None of the groups were able to sight the Hilal, as most places were cloudy/rainy.

      We have not received any reliable sighting reports (Muhaqaq-Ruyat-Basari) from any countries east of UK/Morocco either. But, we have received a negative sighting report from Morocco Awqaf Ministry. Therefore, the Wifaq/Batley Ulama have decided that the month of Jumada al-Ula 1433 AH will completed 30 days and the month of Jumada Al-Ukhra 1433 AH will start from Monday 23 April 2012 (i.e. sunset of 22 April 2012), Insha-Allah.

    2. Not Seen: Aziz Raje (MCW member) from Ilford Essex reported: Despite the effort of many people in the UK we were not able to sight the Hilal on Saturday evening 21st April due to cloudy / rainy conditions throughout the Country. We have received no news of actual sighting from anywhere else to the east of UK. We have also received written confirmation of negative sighting from the Ministry of Awqaf in Morocco. Wifaq ul Ulama have therefore decided that we will complete 30 days of the Month of Jumad al Ula and the Month of Jumad al Ukhra 1433 in the United Kingdom will therefore commence from Monday 23rd April 2012 Insha Allah.

  • USA:

    1. Not Seen: Javad Torabinejad (MCW member) from Blacksburg VA reported: Due to the overcast condition, this evening (Saturday, April 21, 2012), sighting the crescent moon was not attempted in Blacksburg, VA (Lat: 37� 15' 40" N, Lng: 80� 26' 56" W, and elevation: 646 meters).

    2. Seen w/telescope: Jim Stamm (MCW member) with Chris Stamm from Tucson AZ reported: On April 21, 2012 (Saturday) only very slight haze kept the sky from being perfect. Crescent first observed through 8� SC telescope at 19:14. Moon Altitude = 3.9 degrees. Final observation with telescope at 19:27, Moon Altitude = 1.4 degrees.
      The crescent was easily seen entering the eyepiece field at 19:14. It extended from about 20 arc degrees to about 50 degrees in several seconds, then to 70 degrees in a minute. It dropped back to about 60 degrees, and stayed like that for about 8 or 9 minutes. Then it quickly lessened to about 30 degrees, until I lost it in the trees at 19:27. There were several degrees of the arc that stayed invisible, leaving about twice as much arc separated from the rest of the crescent. None of my photographs (zoomed, but not using the telescope optics) picked up the crescent.

Sunday, 22 April 2012:

  • Australia:

    1. Not Seen: Zahid Hafeez (MCW member) from Canberra, ACT reported: The new moon crescent for Jumada-al-Thani was not visible from Canberra this evening (22 April) from Canberra. The moon was exactly 24 hours old and set 20 mins after the sun so there was a chance it could have been visible if the horizon was clear but unfortunately a low band of clouds may have obscured it�otherwise viewing conditions were very good. The use of binoculars didn�t help either!

    2. Not Seen: Dr. Shabbir Ahmed (MCW member) Imam of Rooty Hill Mosque Sydney, NSW reported: On Sunday 22nd April 2012, the Hilal of JAMADIYUL UKHRA 1433 has not been sighted anywhere in Australia. Thus, the Hilal Committee and Majlisul Ulama' of Australia have declared that the month of JAMADIYUL UKHRA 1433 will commence from Tuesday, 24th April 2012.

    3. Not Seen: Engr Manzoor A Mian (MCW member) from Melbourne, VIC reported: The crescent was not sighted in Melbourne on Sunday 22/4/12 and anywhere in Australia, hence the 1st day of Jumadil Akhir is Tuesday, the 24th of April 2012 in Australia.

  • Canada:

    1. Seen: HiMY SYeD (MCW member) from North York Ontario reported: Tonight, April 22, I happened to end up visiting the Muslim Cemetery in North York. After saying Al Fatihahs for those brothers buried there, I searched for the new moon after Sunset. Alhumdulillah, despite low hanging clouds in the north west sky, I was able to spot the very thin crescent above the tree line.

  • India:

    1. Seen: Iqbalhusen Bokda (MCW member) from Godhra, Gujrat reported: Moon for Jumadal Ukhraa has been sighted today on 22nd April here in Godhra, Delhi , Lucknow, Ahmedabad and many other places. It will be 1st of Jumadal Ukhra on Monday.

    2. Seen: Abdussubhan Dadan (MCW Member) from Mumbai reported: Today, 22 April 2012 (29 Jamadil awwal 1433 Hijri) After Namaze Maghrib at 19:25 Moon was Sighted with my friends. So that there will be 1st of JAMADITTHANI 1433 Hijri on Monday the 23 April.

    3. Not Seen (Cloudy): Mohammad Yusuf (MCW member) from New Delhi reported: On April 21, we tried to see the moon today but horizon was not clear to see the moon evean with binoculars

  • Iran:

    1. Seen: Alireza Mehrani (MCW member) from Esfahan reported: Date of sighting: Sunday April 22, 2012 (Ordibehesht 3, 1391). Crescent first observed through 7x50 binoculars at 19:50. Crescent first observed through naked eyes at 20:05. Crescent last observed through 7x50 binoculars at 20:14

  • Malaysia:

    1. Seen: Firdaus Mazlan (MCW member) from Johor Bahru reported: On Sunday, 22th April 2012 M equal to 29th Jumada-al-Oola 1433 H, I with my friend (Mr. Mohammad Haniff bin Mohamad Yusoff, Mr. Muhammad Zainal Abiden bin Mohamad Hani, Mr. Asmanizam bin Ghani, Mr. Mohd Fahmi bin Zakaria, Mr. Abdul Hai Amri bin Alias, Mr. Mohd Fairuz, Mr. Nadzrin) have seen the new moon with naked eye at Baitul Hilal, Teluk Kemang, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia (02:26:43.0 N , 101:51:16.0 E).
      The crescent was first seen by Telescope at 7.38 pm. After that, we can see the crescent by eyes at 7.46 pm until 7.55 pm. So, tomorrow, 23th April 2012 (Monday) is 1st Jumada-al-Thani 1433 H. The goverment also announced that tomorrow is 1st Jumada-al-Thani 1433 H.

  • Mauritius:

    1. Seen w/Binoculars: Goolam Tegally (MCW member) from Port Louis reported: Hilal for Jumada-al-Thani 1433 was seen only in binoculars this evening Sunday 22 Apr here in Mauritius.

  • Pakistan:

    1. Not Seen in Karachi, but seen by others in Karachi and elsewhere in Pakistan: Sultan Alam (MCW member) from Karachi reported: Alhamdolillah, today (Sunday 22 April 2012 = 29 Jumadal-oola 1433 in Pakistan), On my request, a large number of people (members of the moon-sighting committees of our institute "JAMIA-TUR-RASHEED" + my friends + their companions) easily sighted the moon at 16 places in all 4 provinces. Due to haze, some clouds and low phase of moon(less than 2%) I could not sight it myself in Karachi, but my friends sighted it in 4 other places in Karachi. Also, it was seen by others countrywide"
      Note 1: Chairman of central official moon sighting committee of Pakistan mufti munee-bur-Rahman told me on my mobile phone that as he also received positive reports therefore he announced officially that Monday 23 April 2012 is 1st Juma-dath-Thaniah 1433 in Pakistan. Jumadal-oola month finished on 29th day.
      Note2 : After some days, inshaallah, a detailed report of this observation in Urdu will be available.

    2. Seen: Zain Ahmed (MCW member), a founding member of the Karachi Astronomers Society reported: Three Observers (Zain Ahmed, Muhammad Umer and Ramiz Qureshi) saw the moon on 22nd April 2012 at North Nazimabad, Karachi. Time of first sighting: Around 07:20pm by me, first using 7X35mm binoculars and then with the unaided eye (my eyesight is 6X6 Masha Allah). Time of last sighting: Around 07:38pm
      Sky Conditions: Very transparent except for some haze very low on the horizon. I'd rate the overall transparency as 9/10. Cloud cover was almost non-existent, but started increasing around 7:40pm.
      Orientation of crescent: Horizontal (2:30 to 9:30). We were Alhamdulillah able to successfully see and photograph the Moon today thanks to its vicinity to Jupiter.

  • Saudi Arabia:

    1. Seen: Luqmaan Williams (MCW member) from Ta'if reported: I sighted the moon (Sunday, April 22nd) in Taif, Saudi Arabia. It was cloudy and it hid behind some of the clouds. See the photo on the right.

  • South Africa:

    1. Seen: Dr. Abdurrazak Ebrahim (MCW member) from Cape Town reported: The Hilaal was sighted by naked eye in Johannesburg and Rustenburg. The first day of Rabiul Thani 1433 AH will correspond to Monday, 23 April 2012.

    2. Seen: Rashid Motala (MCW member) from Durban reported: The Hilaal was sighted this evening in the Johannesburg area. Several witnesses there, but no sighting anywhere else.

  • Sri Lanka:

    1. Not Seen (Cloudy): Nular Bary (MCW member) from Colombo reported: Today 29th Jumada-al-Oola 1433 (22/4/2012) evening in Sri Lanka. I went up to my roof top to observe the New Moon of Jumada-al-Thani 1433 but I couldn't see a thing as the western sky was cloudy I was scanning the sky for about an hour after sunset ( 6:19pm.) even our Hilal Committee had not received any positive sighting from any parts of the country till late in the night so the committee decided to complete the month of Jumada-al-Oola with 30 days and start the month of Jumada-al-Thani on Tuesday 24th April 2012. Inshaallah

  • Tanzania:

    1. Seen: Zaffar Sheriff (MCW member) from Daressalaam reported: J. Akhar crescent was easily seen in Daressalaam, Tanzania at sunset 6:18 pm. Crescent altitude 10.4 -- Elongation 13.8 -- Age 32hours -- Duration 50 minutes. The crescent was last seen and confirmed at 6:36 pm.

  • UK:

    1. Seen: Modoris Ali (MCW member) from Birmingham reported: Today (Sunday 22nd April 2012), I went to my local Mosque at Cradley Heath (near Birmingham) for Maghrib Prayer; I could not see the moon. I came home from local Mosque walking, and around 8:50pm, I had seen the moon. Yesterday it was cloudy and rainy.

  • USA:

    1. Not Seen: Javad Torabinejad (MCW member) from Blacksburg VA reported: This evening (Sunday, April 22, 2012), the crescent moon of Jumadal Thani was not sighted in Blacksburg, VA. The sky was cloudy. My son and I arrived at our sighting location at 7:58 pm EDT (sunset: 8:03 pm). We stayed there till 8:13 pm (moonset: 9:36 pm). At 7:55 pm, the temperature, dew point, relative humidity, and pressure were 44.6 F, 42.8 F, 93%, and 29.63 in, respectively.

    2. Seen: Tasmin Ahmad(MCW member) from Murrieta, CA reported: On Sunday, April 22, 2012, I along with my two sons (17 and 12 years old) saw the moon easily in Murrieta, California around 8:00pm. The sky was clear. We were able to see it until 8:20pm, when the moon went below the roof tops. The orientation of the crescent was from 3 O'clock to 8 O'clock on a dial of an imaginary clock in the sky.

  • Zimbabwe:

    1. Seen: Ayub Mahomed (MCW member) from Harari reported: The moon was sighted in Harare on sunday 22 April 2012 for month of jumadul ukhra. It was sighted by myself and other muslim brothers at 18:15 Central African Time. The moon was also sighted in Mutare.
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