The Idd Crescent and July Night Skies

By Dr. N. T. Jiwaji,

ntjiwaji@yahoo.com

 This month once again thousands of eyes will be turned upwards in the west horizon looking for a sacred celestial body.  The Moon is the closest celestial body and continually in our eyes at night shifting position and changing shape as it orbits the Earth. The sight of one particular shape, the First Crescent marks the beginning of the month in many cultures that use the lunar calendar. Muslims will be awaiting the First Crescent to mark the end of...

The Moon will make it into the news this month following its New Moon phase 27th June.  The beginning of the holy month of Ramadhan can be expected on 29th following observation of the first crescent at sunset on June 28.  Each day, the Moon shifts significantly in the sky, (nearly 12 degrees per day = 1/30 a full cycle).  Hence it will have grown in size and risen high enough to be observable on 28th, a day following the New Moon.  The first crescent will be easy to locate soon after...

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