Solar Eclipse to affect Eid al-Fitr moon sighting

Muslims all throughout the world are anticipating to celebrate Eid al-Fitr as Ramadan draws to a close, however, a Solar Eclipse on April 8 is likely to affect the start and ending dates of the two religious events.

Traditionally, the sighting of the moon is used to affirm the start and conclusion of Ramadan. The best angle is when the moon lies between Earth and the Sun, allowing light to reach the moon's far side.

Muslims all across the world observe Ramadan, a month-long period during which they refrain from eating and drinking from sunrise to sunset.

Interestingly, this year, the sighting of the new moon will not mark the conclusion of Ramadan or the start of Eid.

On Monday, April 8, people in North America will be able to see the new moon's silhouette using eclipse glasses, but they will only be able to observe the entire eclipse without assistance along a 115-mile-wide path of totality.

This year's Shawwal crescent moon visibility will be affected by the Total Solar Eclipse on Monday, April 8. The National reported that the 30th day of Ramadan, April 9, will be the last day to see the crescent moon.

Astronomers first predicted that the first day of Eid al-Fitr would be April 9. But on April 8, after sunset, the new moon will not be visible near the western horizon because of the Solar Eclipse.

As a result, most Islamic countries are expected to see the crescent moon after sunset on April 9. Thus, according to Harper's Bazaar Arabia, April 10 is probably the first day of Shawwal and Eid al-Fitr.