Abstract
The first glimpse of the New Moon crescent heralds the beginning of a new lunar month across diverse cultures and religious calendars. While the astronomical New Moon is a singular, global event occurring at a precise moment, the actual visibility of its first crescent varies significantly with geographic location. This paper delves into the scientific principles governing these variations, focusing on factors like angular separation, horizon altitude, atmospheric conditions, and geographic latitude and longitude. We will also explore the profound religious significance of crescent sighting, particularly within the Land of Israel, and debunk a prevalent historical misconception regarding ancient beliefs about Earth’s shape, especially in relation to the Hebrew Bible.
Calendar
27
Jun
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