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ISLAMABAD, Nov 19 (APP):The International Conference on Applications of Space Science and Technology (ICAST-2025) continued on Wednesday with a thought-provoking masterclass organized by the Inter-Islamic Network on Space Sciences and Technology (ISNET), focusing on the scientific, religious, and technological dimensions of moon sighting.
The session was conducted by renowned astronomer Mohammad Shawkat Odeh of the International Astronomical Center (UAE), drawing significant interest from delegates, researchers, and students attending the conference at the Institute of Space Technology (IST).
Odeh delivered a comprehensive overview of the fundamentals of crescent observation, explaining the moon’s phases and essential astronomical concepts such as elongation, moon age, and lag time. He outlined the principles that determine crescent visibility, enabling participants to understand the conditions under which the new moon can be sighted with the naked eye or through instruments.
The masterclass offered a historical perspective on global crescent visibility models, tracing the evolution of criteria used across centuries from ancient Babylonian methods to the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) model, the widely referenced Yallop criteria, and the modern Odeh visibility framework. Odeh compared these models, highlighting their varying levels of reliability, accuracy, and practical application.
Participants were also briefed on how different Islamic countries determine the start of Hijri months.
The presentation reviewed methods used in Turkey, Oman, Jordan, Algeria, Morocco, and the UAE, noting how some nations rely on astronomical conjunction, others on sunset parameters, and many on actual visibility reports. Case studies illustrated how these approaches shape official moon-sighting decisions and sometimes lead to regional differences in marking Islamic months.
The session further explored global crescent observation archives, drawing from datasets spanning 1859 to 2024. Attendees examined historical records of early and difficult sightings, gaining deeper insight into how observational data supports or challenges theoretical models.
A lively discussion and Question and Answer session concluded the masterclass, giving participants the opportunity to engage in scientific debate, seek clarity on complex astronomical concepts, and explore the intersection of faith, observation, and modern technology.
The masterclass underscored ISNET’s commitment to strengthening scientific understanding within the Muslim world by bridging traditional practices with contemporary astronomical research.
It also added to the depth of activities at ICAST-2025, which continues to showcase cutting-edge dialogue on space science and its applications.