Khaberni - Professor Dr. Ali Al-Taani, professor of astrophysics and space sciences at Al-Balqa Applied University, confirmed that astronomical data and direct observation on Tuesday evening indicate the need to cautiously deal with any claims of sighting the crescent on that day.
Al-Taani explained that the precise scientific calculations conducted to monitor the motion of celestial bodies definitively confirm the absence of the crescent in the sky after sunset that day.
Dr. Al-Taani stated that there is a very likely possibility of optical confusion among observers, especially with the presence of Venus in the western horizon clearly.
He mentioned that Venus is positioned very close to the expected lunar location astronomically, which might lead the inexperienced or those without sufficient astronomical observation expertise to consider this planet a crescent, due to its intense brightness in that region of the sky.
Al-Taani added that official committees responsible for moon sighting have recorded similar instances in previous years, where there was significant confusion between Venus and the crescent, with the planet being observed and believed to be the start of the holy month.
Dr. Al-Taani urged interested parties and citizens not to follow rumors or inaccurate sighting reports, and to seek accuracy by waiting for what will be announced by official religious decree houses that rely on the integration of legal sighting with definitive astronomical calculations.
