Moon Watch

As part of Einstein Year, the new initiative Moon Watch, launched on 1 October 2005, is refining the existing astronomical models used to set the lunar calendar by combining modern astronomy with recorded sightings of each new crescent moon collected by the general public.

Moon Watch was launched to coincide with the start of Ramadan, the Muslim month of fasting which is governed by the lunar calendar. Moon Watch invites the Islamic community in the UK & Ireland, Astronomy enthusiasts and members of the general public to record sightings of the new crescent moon (roughly every 29.5 days) and submit the data online for analysis.

Moon Watch is an ongoing project and will continue to run in 2006 so there is still a chance to register and get involved. Participants should look for the new crescent moon immediately after sunset in the western sky on the first three days after the new moon appears, the next observation period being between 1 and 3 January 2006. Using the unaided eye, binoculars or a telescope, participants will record data which includes location (postcode), weather conditions, date, time and orientation of the crescent.

The data are then submitted to the website: www.crescentmoonwatch.org for analysis by HM Nautical Almanac Office (HMNAO), who provide astronomical data for a variety of users including diary manufacturers and publishers. HMNAO will then incorporate the information provided by the general public into its existing astronomical models, which are used to provide dates for the Islamic calendar.