"The first day of fasting for the Muslim holy month of Ramadan in Mecca will likely be Thursday, February 19. The first day of fasting for the Muslim holy month of Ramadan in Mecca, Saudi Arabia will be either Wednesday, February 18 or Thursday, February 19, depending on the sighting of the new moon. Other countries follow their own moon sightings. Some use astronomical calculations for lunar phases, while others rely on traditional local sightings to confirm the start of the new month."
"For the moon to be visible, the crescent must set after the sun. This allows the sky to be dark enough to spot the small sliver of the new moon. After the sun sets on the night of February 17, the 29th day of the month of Shaban in the Hijri calendar, moon sighters face west with a clear view of the horizon for a first glimpse of the crescent moon."
Ramadan in Mecca will begin on either February 18 or February 19 depending on crescent moon sighting. Moon sighting occurs after sunset on the 29th of Shaban (night of February 17) when observers face west for a first glimpse. If the crescent is sighted, Ramadan begins the next day; if not, Shaban completes 30 days and fasting starts a day later. Saudi Arabia records testimonies from moon sighters and the Supreme Court declares the start. Some countries use astronomical calculations for lunar phases while others rely on traditional local sightings. Visibility depends on elongation and altitude of the crescent at sunset.
Read at www.aljazeera.com
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