Astronomical calculations: First of Ramadan to fall on Wednesday

In line with established policies of the Islamic Ministry regarding the sighting of the moon for Ramadan and Eid, astronomical calculations predict that the first of Ramadan this year will fall on Wednesday.

The fasting month begins upon confirmation of moon sighting. Islamic Ministry, as the designated authority that will declare moon sighting, will hold the official meeting to determine moon sighting on Tuesday night.

Although the moon is not visible to the standard eye, astronomical calculations are often used to confirm its presence.

Astronomy expert Abdulla Rasheed (Linet) told Sun that astronomical calculations show that the moon will be visible in horizon for less than a minute after sunset in southernmost islands of the Maldives on Tuesday night.

The moon-sighting protocols dictates if astronomical calculations indicate the moon will be visible on the horizon after sunset on the 29th of Sha'ban in any Islamic country, and that country confirms the sighting and notifies the Maldives, the Maldives will follow that announcement and declare the following day as the first of Ramadan.

According to Rasheed, astronomical calculations suggest the moon will set before the sun in Male' and the northern islands tomorrow, while the moon will remain on the horizon for less than a minute after sunset in all islands of the southernmost Addu City.

"Although the moon will be visible in the horizon after sunset on that day, it shows that the crescent moon will not be visible above the horizon's surface after sunset," he added.

However, Rasheed noted that astronomical calculations confirm the moon will be visible above the horizon after sunset tomorrow in several Islamic countries: Jeddah in Saudi Arabia, Cairo in Egypt, Casablanca in Morocco, and Dakar in Senegal.

Pursuant to Article 5 of the moon-sighting regulations, if any of these countries officially confirm the sighting of the moon and notify the Maldives on Tuesday night, the Maldives will commence the fasting month on Wednesday.