Eid Al Fitr expected to fall on April 22: IAC

TDT | Manama                                                   

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com    

Reported by Julia Cassano

The International Astronomy Centre (IAC) has announced that there is no possibility to view the crescent on Thursday but expects Eid Al Fitr to fall on Saturday, April 22, one day later than previously expected.

However, the IAC revealed that seeing the crescent is not possible with the naked eye anywhere in the Arab and Islamic worlds. They also said that although the viewing of the crescent on Thursday is impossible in the Arab and Islamic worlds, even with a telescope, parts of West Africa may be able to sight the crescent.

“Therefore, it is most likely that the first day of Eid Al Fitr will start on Saturday,” the IAC claims. The Abu Dhabi-based astronomy body in a released statement on its Twitter account stated that: “The sighting of the new moon on Thursday evening is difficult as it requires the right telescope, professional observers, and exceptional weather conditions.”

However, the occurrence of all these factors is rare. Although the IAC is urging people to report any sightings of the crescent from Thursday, they say that the exact date of the Eid will only be confirmed by the designated authorities based on the sighting of the new moon.