Ammar Sakji, President of the Jordan Astronomical Society (JAS), stated that sighting the crescent of Shawwal for the year 1447 AH on the evening of Thursday, March 19, will be "possible but difficult." According to astronomical data, the sighting will require telescopes, optical instruments, and professional observers.
اضافة اعلان
Astronomical Calculations and Data
Sakji explained that based on Jordan local time, the central conjunction (lunar conception) is expected to occur at 04:23 AM, while the topocentric conjunction (as seen from Earth's surface) will occur at 03:46 AM on the same day.
Key astronomical parameters for Amman on Thursday evening include:
Moonset: Approximately 36 minutes after sunset.
Moon Age: About 14 hours and 30 minutes (central) / 15 hours and 7 minutes (topocentric).
Altitude Difference: 7 degrees and 10 minutes between the Sun and the Moon.
Angular Elongation: 7.2 degrees.
Illumination: 0.4% of the lunar disk.
Crescent Thickness: Estimated at 7.76 arcseconds.
Visibility Standards
Sakji noted that these values sit slightly above the Danjon Limit (the international threshold for crescent visibility). While this makes sighting via telescopes and professional optical devices possible, the crescent will not be visible to the naked eye in Jordan or surrounding regions.
Data from the International Crescent Observation Project (ICOP) and the Odeh Criterion—adopted by the JAS—confirm that naked-eye visibility is impossible. Successful observation via telescope remains contingent on optimal weather and astronomical conditions.
Official Sighting Efforts
The Jordan Astronomical Society will conduct an official observation session on Thursday from various locations across the Kingdom. The effort will be led by the Crescents and Timings Committee, chaired by Mohammad Odeh, and the Meteorology and Astrophotography Committee, chaired by Imad Hamdi.
