Moon sighting

Moon sighting is the process of visually observing the moon to determine the beginning of a lunar month, especially for Islamic calendar purposes. Since lunar months depend on the moon's visibility and are not fixed, communities look for the first sighting of the new crescent moon after the new moon phase. Factors such as weather, geographic location, and eyesight can influence sighting. Authorities or community leaders often verify sightings to ensure consistency. Accurate moon sighting helps in timely religious observances like Ramadan and Eid, aligning events with the lunar calendar rather than fixed dates.