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The President of the Jordanian Astronomical Society (JAS), Ammar Al-Sakji, stated that sighting the crescent of the month of Shawwal for the year 1447 AH on the evening of Thursday, March 19, will be "possible but difficult." Based on astronomical data, the sighting will require the use of telescopes and optical instruments by professional observers.
Technical Astronomical Data for Jordan:
According to Al-Sakji, the calculations for the moon’s position in Amman on that evening are as follows:
Central Conjunction: 4:23 AM (Local Time).
Topocentric (Surface) Conjunction: 3:46 AM (Local Time).
Moonset Lag: The moon will stay in the sky for approximately 36 minutes after sunset in Amman.
Moon Age: Approximately 14 hours and 30 minutes (Central) or 15 hours and 7 minutes (Topocentric).
Altitude Difference: The height difference between the sun and the moon at sunset will be about 7^circ 10'.
Angular Elongation: Approximately 7.2^circ.
Illumination: Only 0.4% of the moon will be lit.
Crescent Thickness: Estimated at 7.76 arcseconds.
Sighting Feasibility
Al-Sakji explained that these figures sit slightly above the Danjon Limit (the global standard for the minimum elongation required for a crescent to be visible). Therefore:
Naked Eye: Sighting is impossible in Jordan and neighboring regions.
Optical Aid: Sighting is possible but difficult using telescopes and advanced optical devices, provided that atmospheric and astronomical conditions are ideal.
The Islamic Crescent Observation Project (ICOP) database and the Odeh Criterion (adopted by the JAS) both support the conclusion that the crescent will not be visible to the naked eye but may be captured via professional equipment.
Field Observation Plans
The Jordanian Astronomical Society will conduct field observations on Thursday from several locations across the Kingdom. These efforts will be led by the Crescents and Timings Committee, chaired by Mohammad Odeh, and the Meteorology and Astrophotography Committee, chaired by Imad Hamdi.