Ramadan: Astronomy Centre Predicts March 20 for Eid al-Fitr

The International Astronomy Centre (IAC) has announced that the first day of Eid al-Fitr in the United Arab Emirates is expected to fall on March 20, based on astronomical calculations of the Shawwal crescent moon.

The centre noted that sighting the crescent on March 18 will be impossible because the moon will set before the sun, and the conjunction will occur after sunset. Therefore, the holy month of Ramadan is expected to last 30 days.

For March 19, the IAC explained that the crescent will not be visible from the eastern parts of the world. It may be seen with difficulty using a telescope in western Asia and parts of central and northern Africa. In western Europe and western Africa, it may be barely visible to the naked eye, while most of North America may see it more easily.

The IAC added that the majority of countries are likely to announce Friday, March 20, as Eid al-Fitr. However, difficulties in sighting the crescent could lead some countries to delay the celebration, possibly declaring Saturday, March 21, as the first day of Eid.

According to the IAC, the lowest values for a crescent previously observed with the naked eye include:

Crescent persistence: 29 minutes

Crescent age: 15 hours and 33 minutes

Angular distance from the sun: 7.6 degrees

The UAE has already announced holidays for both public and private sector workers. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation stated that private-sector employees will have holidays from March 19 to March 21. If Ramadan completes 30 days, the break will extend to March 22, which is also a weekend.

For federal government employees, the holiday will run from March 19 to March 22, with work resuming on March 23.

(Source: Khaleej Times)