When will 1 Muharram 1439 H begin?

The year of 1438 H. will end. Soon, we will enter the new of hijriah year 1439 H. According to calculations in the book Ittifaq Dzatil Bain, conjunction of the end of the lunar month at the end of the year will occur on Wednesday, September 20, 2017, at noon at 12:25:57 UTC + 7.

We describe the calculation of 1 Muharram 1439 H using the book of Ittifaq Dzatil Bain, with Condrodipo as the point of observation:

Calculation of 1 Muharram at Condrodipo, Gresik

The determination of the beginning of the month as well as the beginning of the year will be very interesting. why is that? because the height of crescent is low enough but slightly above the criteria of MABIMS. If calculated using the criteria M.Odeh crescent condition at Condrodipo on this month can not be seen (Not Possible).

Map of Crescent Visibility
Source : Accurate Times

Rukyatul hilal in condrodipo often results the appearance of a new moon. Though not a photographic image, but the result of the rukyatul hilal is still considered, and made as one of the basic determination of the beginning of the month in Indonesia.

Astronomers often mention that the moon with the criteria MABIMS very difficult to see, even impossible, but in reality the observers of rukyatul hilal not so. If the height of the hilal is above the criteria of MABIMS usually can be sure there is a report that Crescent is visible.

Further research is needed on this matter, which unites some opinions from various parties, astronomers, fiqh experts, and also the government.

1 muharram will occur on Thursday, 21 September 2017, it is based on MABIMS criteria, but for certainty we should follow the government's decision. Below! Simulation of rukyatul hilal 1 Muharram 1439 H in Condrodipo Gresik.

Simulation of Sunset at Condrodipo
Source : Stellarium

Simulation of Rukyatul Hilal at Condrodipo

Source : Stellarium

Crescent Image Results : Dzulhijjah 1438.

The observation of Crescent on Dzulhijjah in Indonesia was done on August 22, 2017. at that time I obseved in Condrodipo Hill, Gresik, Indonesia. This place is a very special, why is it like that? because in this place there are often reports that the crescent is seen, although in other places not seen. It is also happening on the Crescent observation at Dzulhijjah 1438 yesterday. Hilal was successfully viewed by 5 people. 5 people are not including me, because I have never seen a Crescent before. Indeed, I feel seeing the Crescent vaguely, but I am not sure about it. so I decided to believe that I did not see.

Crescent Capture

5 successful observations in the condrodipo were performed with the naked eye, observations using cameras, telescopes, binoculars and theodolites failed to occur. I am confused with it. why so, theoretically it is impossible to happen, the limited view of the eye can overpower by the view of very sophisticated optical devices.

Before going home, I tried to ask for the image from the camera that connected to the telescope and I got 38 photos of the recording result when the hilal observation. The photoa are taken with the same settings, JPEG format, ISO 1600, Exposure 1/5" and f/3.5.

Cresent Observation Image at 17:46 UTC +7 

Cresent Observation Image at 17:50 UTC +7

I spent days trying to observe by enlarging the photographs, observing point by point, line by line, angular by angle but no results.

Then I have the initiative to edit the photo in photoshop. I set its contrast, its black and white, its exposure and I succeed to do it.

Below, the results of the edited image:

 Edited Image at 17:46 UTC +7

Pointing Crescent Image Result at 17:46 UTC+7

The Crescent Image Result at 17:46 UTC +7

Edited Image at 17:50 UTC +7

Pointing Crescent Image Result at 17:46 UTC+7

The Crescent Image Result at 17:50 UTC +7

Of these results there are still irregularities, why the position of the Crescent at 17:50 higher than at 17:46? My hypothesis, this happens because the telescope setting is still using Sun Speedrate, not using Lunar Speedrate.

The Crescent above is very difficult to see and edit, because several factors of the wrong arrangement. in the photo is not supposed to wear high ISO, it is better to use low ISO with long Exposure. And the format of the image is also better using the RAW format for easy editing and searching, not the JPEG format.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Handheld GPS

Advantages and Disadvantages of Handheld GPS

Actually there are many types of GPS, not just handheld / portable GPS, but also GPS Navigation and GPS Smartphone. For the first of these I will discuss in advance about the GPS handheld, and now I will explain the advantages and disadvantages of GPS handheld.

Handheld GPS

GPS handhelds have a high sensitivity in receiving GPS signals and some devices are capable of receiving dual satellite systems from GPS and Glonass. We can also determine the height of place and direction in an area with satellit signal, there are also various additional sensors, for example barometric altimeter and electronic compass so that the determination of height and direction can be done without using satellite signal. This is usually an option in the settings.

The use of barometric altimeter sensors usually must first be done altitude calibration somewhere. We can also use this barometric altimeter to plot air or ambient pressure from time to time, which can help to observe changes in weather conditions.

The advantage of this GPS compass is that it is not influenced by the magnetic field and can guide the direction accurately as it is guided by signals from the satellites (not the buit-in compass sensor). This tool is certainly very helpful when measuring the direction of Qibla.

The area is remote with no phone signal and does not have internet. We recommend choosing a handheld GPS device. Maps are already stored inside, though the images are very standard, such as the appearance of road maps and soil contours, the data maps in the handheld GPS more complete, but usually sold separately (for each country) and the price is quite expensive. Maps do not need to be installed or downloaded. Because portable GPS has been installed one country map when marketed.

GPS handheld is better, more durable, waterproof and suitable for outdoor activities. Users need not be afraid of the natural conditions, because handheld GPS devices or portable GPS are designed for nature activities. Using this GPS we can find the way when through high-sensitivity wilderness, which acquires satellite signals quickly and tracks locations in challenging conditions such as trees and cliffs.

The battery can be replaced because it uses AAA batteries. One portable GPS device can last up to 25 hours. Very suitable for adventure activities in areas far from electrical energy.

But the obstacle, GPS handheld in terms of price is still quite expensive, for a GPS device ranges between Rp. 2,000,000.00 to Rp.10.000.000,00 or about $ 150 USD to $ 750 USD.

The disadvantages of all GPS, including GPS handhelds are GPS will greatly affect the geographical conditions of where we are. GPS will work well if where we are still has a wide sky. The following will be described wherever the GPS will experience a weakness in its use:

1.When someone is in the forest. With the conditions of the trees are so much then the signals that can be received will be a little maybe even no depending on the width of the forest.
2.When someone is in the water or when someone is diving. Do not expect to use this tool when diving.
3. Electronic devices that can emit electromagnetic waves may affect performance degradation rather than GPS.
4. Buildings. Not only when inside the building, being between 2 tall buildings will also cause an effect like being in a valley.
5. Signals that bounce, eg when in between high-rise buildings, can disrupt the calculation of navigation tools so that navigation tools can indicate the wrong position or not accurate.
6. Glass film car, especially metal-containing.

Menus and Functions on GPS : Garmin 76 C/CSX

I will explain about some menus or functions on the GPS. This time I use GPS Garmin 76 C/CSX. Some GPS devices also have a similar functions.

GPS Garmin 76 C / 76 CSX

1. Key Functions

Inside GPS 76 C there are several buttons that work include to:
A. Power button: Turns the unit on or off. If this button is pressed and released, it can work to adjust the backlight.
B. Zoom In / Out button: To set the size of the scale.
C. Find Button: To go to find menu page and display mob.
D. Quit button: To cancel data entry or close the page.
E. Page or Compass button: To go to the main page and turn the electronic compass off.
F. Menu Button: To enter options, confirm messages or data on-screen. This button can also be used for marking Sign and Waypoint.
G. Rocker Keys: To start moving lists, highlight fields, on-screen buttons, icons, enter data or move to the map section.

2. Getting Satellite Data

For the process of revenue data from satellite, then we must pay attention to the place and condition around. It is advisable to use the GPS in the open and have a wide view. The weather conditions must also be in good condition. For the steps are:
A. Turn on the GPS by pressing the power button. If the GPS has been turned on then it will say "Welcome". The page will quickly face the satellite page.
B. Observe the satellite page and GPS status message when it appears at the top of the page, and soon it will look like a GPSmap. This indicates it will start to search for satellite exploitation status. Not long after that will automatically show our position (latitude and longitude). Visit Determine Coordinate of Place with GPS for more info.

3. Selecting a Page

For all required information or data can be found in four main pages (display screen). These pages include satellites, maps, pointers, and menus. The trick is to press the page button to find the pages.
A. Satellite page: provides a reference for tracked satellites.
B. Page trip computer: provides data and information related to the science of shipping.
C. Page map: provides a view of a map and reference our navigation movement.
D. Page compass: provides guidance for a purpose and direction.
E. Page altimeter: provides path and pressure elevation.
F. Main menu: an existing directory in GPS to specify other settings.

4. Define Waypoint

Waypoint is a marking of places obtained by satellites in a GPS. To mark a place, we can access in the Find Menu by:
A. Press the page button and select the menu page. Press the Up or Down button and select the "Mark" section.
B. Press the enter key. The mark waypoint page will appear with the word "OK?", Hit enter. Waypoint has been stored in GPS memory.

5. Go to the Waypoint Menu
To enter the waypoint we have marked, then we use the Go To facility. How to use it is:
A. Press the page button and select the menu page. Press Up or Down button and select "waypoint". Press Enter. The waypoint page will appear.
B. Press the Up or Down button and select the tab that contains the desired waypoint name and press Enter. The existing waypoint review page will appear.
C. Press Up or Down button to select "GoTo" and press Enter.

6. Exploration on a Waypoint
In the use of the "Go to" facility, we will be directed to follow the directions on the waypoint. The directions provided are N, S, E, W (North, South, East, West). If we cancel, we can use the compass pointing stick to divert the direction toward us. The steps are:
A. Press the page button repeatedly until the compass page is shown. This page contains a bookmark that marks the direction to go.
B. Press the quit button to move to the map page and watch our progress toward the waypoint. The pointer line will show the map and the position arrow movement as we move it.
C. Press the quit button again to move to the travel page. This page provides travel data such as a travel odometer, maximum speed, and more.
D. To stop navigation, press Menu then select stop navigation and then press Enter.

7. Cleaning Track Log
If we have used GPS for multiple trips, then the map view will be full because storing tracks or paths that we have been through. To use this facility the way is:
A. Press the page button and select the menu page.
B. Press Up or Down button and select "Tracks".
C. Press Enter. Use the Up button and select "Clear". Press Enter.

8. Using Map Page 
To use the map page can be done by:
A. Press the page button to go to the main page to the map page.
B. Press the menu button to navigate to the map page selection.
C. Start moving and observing the position arrow on the top of the map. Use the Rocker button to move and move highlights a map item or look into other map areas.

Determine The Coordinates of a Place with GPS.

In the calculation of Islamic Astronomy, the thing that is always required is the coordinates of a place. Many ways and tools can be used to know these coordinates. One of the most famous ways is using GPS (Global Positioning System)

GPS is a navigation and positioning radio system that utilizes satellites as a means of communication. This tool is usually used in vehicle navigation, be it land, sea or air vehicle. Ship and aircraft communication with the station is needed, in order to avoid accidents. GPS is used to know each ship or aircraft position, then reported to the tower / station supervisor at the nearest port or airport.

This GPS will monitor signals from satellites, then GPS will accept the position of the place be it latitude, longitude or altitude place on Earth.

In the Islamic Astronomy, GPS that easy to use is a type of handheld GPS that can be taken anywhere.

GPS has a different level of accuracy, depending on the brand and type of GPS. but overall the tool is quite accurate in determining the coordinates of a place or area.

In this explanation, I will practice using GPS Garmin 72H, but overall, various GPS has a similar way to operate GPS for coordinate determination. The way is :

1. Turn on the GPS in the field, not in the room, around tall buildings, tunnels, and dense forests.

2. Wait a while, about 1-3 minutes, so that GPS receives satellite to make configuration latitude, longitude and altitude data complete.

3. The minimum number of satellites captured to generate coordinates is 4 satellites. And wait a while until the "Location" or "Accuracy" sign shows the smallest number. That sign is the maximum error of the GPS point being, which is predicted by GPS satellite.

4. Then record the coordinates that appear.

Garmin GPS 72H
Souce : https://www.amazon.com

Example image above, the resulting coordinates are 38 degrees 51,498 minutes North Latitude (N) and 94 degrees 47.838 minutes West Longitude (W).

5. if you want to know the height of the place, press the "page" several times until entering on the page high information place.

Good luck!

Accurate Times

The Accurate Times application is a well-known application amongst the astronomers, this software is made by Mohammad Syawkat Audah. In this application there are several calculation programs, such as the program of Salat Time, Moon and Moon Setting program, Moon Phase, Hilal Visibility, Sun Ephemeris program, Hijriah-Masehi (Lunar-Sun) Calendar, Qibla Direction and also Solar and Moon position guidance program for telescope operation.

This application was originally a prayer time application adopted by the Jordanian Ministry of Religious Affairs for the early determination of the prayer time in Jordan, but at a later stage it developed to the point of calculating the conversion of the Hijriah-Mashi-Hijri date and the determination of the beginning of the continuing month on the visibility of the new moon .

The front view of the Accurate Times application

One of these in-app programs that reflects his thoughts is the Crescent Visibility or Visibility Hilal program the author has described in the previous chapter.

Crescent Visibility program display in the Accurate Times application

In this program provided several options for the determination of criteria:
- Waxing / Waning Crescent
This option is used to select the object we will look for visibility, whether young moon or old moon.
- Calculations
This option is used to select the basic reference of calculation, whether the calculation based on the geosentric point that will produce the essential moon, or from the surface of the earth (Toposentric) that will produce the hilal mar'i.
- Day of Calculations
This option is used to determine the state of visibility, at day of intent, 1 day or 2 days after.
- Time of Calculations
This option is used to select the visibility reference time, at sunset, when the Moon is set, or when the Best time, which is one of Mohammad Odeh's formulas also that the author has described in the previous discussion.

Map of Hilal Accurate Times Visibility

The above picture is the moon visibility map of the Beginning Moon of Shawwal 1438 in the Accurate Times application with youthful hilal, topocentric hilal, hilal on the day of ijtimak and hilal at best time.

Visit this link to download it. Download

When did 1 Dhul-Hijjah 1438 Begin?

The month of Dhul-Hijjah, or the month of Hajj in 2017 coincides with the year 1438. Ijtima' or the conjunction of the signing of the month of Dhul-Hijjah 1438 according to the book of Ittifaq Dzatil Bain happened on: Monday, 21 August 2017 18:35 UTC (Tuesday, 22 August 2017, 01:35 UTC+7). This conjunction coincides with the 17,256th month round in the Islamic date (Islamic Lunacy Number - ILN). In the evening of Tuesday, the crescent moon (hilal) will be visible in almost all parts of the world (see Hilal Visibility Map below).

Map of Crescent Visibility

Source : Accurate Times M. Odeh

Map of Hilal Visibility (Crescent) for 1 Dhul-Hijjah 1438. Most of the world will be able to see the moon on the evening of Tuesday, August 22, 2017. Thus calculation, 1 Dhul-Hijjah 1438 will fall on Wednesday, August 23, 2017.

In Indonesia, Insha Allah, there is no difference between the government and Islamic Organizations, especially Muhammadiyah and PERSIS. Likewise Saudi Arabia, which usually uses rukyatul hilal for the determination of the Wukuf date in Arafat and Eid al-Adha, will begin 1 Dhul-Hijjah 1438 H on the same day. The Ummul Qura calendar of Saudi Arabia shows 1 Dzulhijjah 1438 H falls on Wednesday, August 23, 2017.

If there is no official change from the government, then the following is the date of Wuquf and the holy day of Qurban, Eid al-Adha 2017 :
- Wukuf, 9 Dhul-Hijjah 1438 H is calculated on Thursday, August 31, 2017
- Eid al-Adha, 10 Dhul-Hijjah 1438 H is calculated on Friday, September 1, 2017
- Arafah Fasting year 1438 is calculated on Thursday, August 31, 2017

Below is a simulation of the moon's new state during the evening tuesday :

Calculation in the book of Ittifaq Dzatil Bain at Condrodipo, Gresik, Indonesia.

Ghurub (Sunset) Simulation at Condrodipo

Source : Stellarium 

Rukyatul Hilal Simulation at Condrodipo

Source : Stellarium

Ordinance of Eclipse Prayer

Source : http://www.mutiarapublic.com

On this day, August 07, 2017 there will be an eclipse at midnight until the day move on August 8, 2017. at that time the sun's light reflected to the Moon will be obscured by the Earth's shadow.

This event becomes very interesting if observed, especially if we can record or immortalize it. But do not forget!, when the eclipse occurs, either the eclipse of the Moon or the Sun, is devoted to doing the eclipse prayer.

Then how the procedure of the eclipse prayer?. In the book of "Zaadul Ma'ad", the work of Ibn al-Qayyim is explained about the procedure of performing the eclipse prayer (Qayyim 1438: 349-356):

1. Intend in the heart and should not be mentioned because mentioning the intention does not include in the guidance of the Prophet Muhammad (Sunnah/Hadeeth) and the Prophet also never taught him intentions on certain prayers to his companions.

2. Takbiratul ihram is doing Takbir as usual prayer.

3. Read the Iftitah and Ta'awudz, then read the Al-Fatihah and read a long Surah (like the Al Baqarah) while being stitched (hardened voice, not soft) as contained in the hadeeth of A'ishah:

جهر النبى - صلى الله عليه وسلم - فى صلاة الخسوف بقراءته

"The Prophet annihilated his reading during the eclipse prayer." (Narrated by Bukhari no 1065 and Muslim 901)

4. Then doing Ruku' while extending it.

5. Then rise from Ruku '(I'tidal) while saying "Sami' Allah li Man Hamidah, Rabbana wa Laka al-Hamd"

6. After this I'tidal did not directly prostrate, but continued by reading Al-Fatihah and long Surah again. This second stand is shorter than the first.

7. Then doing Ruku' again (second Ruku') which length is shorter than Ruku' before.

8. Then rise from ruku' (I'tidal) again.

9. Then prostrate as long as Ruku', then sit between two prostrations and then bow down again.

10. Then rose from prostration and worked on the second raka'at as the first raka'at only the reading and the movements are shorter than before.

11. Tasyahud.

12. Greetings (doing Salam).

13. The priest then gives a sermon to the congregation that contains the suggestion for dhikr, praying, alms, and freeing slaves.

Partial Lunar Eclipse August 2017

World is enlivened with a total solar eclipse that will occur in the United States on 21 August 2017. It's in America, but in Indonesia there are other events that are not less interesting that partial lunar eclipse. The astronomical event will occur 7-8 August 2017.

Partial lunar eclipses occur when the earth moves between the moon and the sun but not exactly straight in a line. When a partial eclipse occurs, a small part of the moon's surface is covered by the darkest part of the earth's core shadow or the so-called umbra. The remainder of the moon's surface is covered by the outer shadow of the earth or the so-called penumbra.

Launch Time and Date, partial lunar eclipses will occur when two astronomical events occur simultaneously. The event will occur when the moon is in full or full moon. When the earth moves between the moon and the sun but not exactly straight in one line occurs simultaneously.

However, not every full-moon partial eclipse can happen. This happens because the moon moves around the earth with a slope of orbit about 5 degrees to the Earth's orbit and the sun (ecliptic). Because of the moon's orbital tilt, not every new moon phase and full moon, the moon is exactly parallel to the earth and the sun.

Eclipses can only happen near the node point. The natural phenomenon occurs when a full moon occurs near a node, and a solar eclipse occurs when a new moon occurs near a node.

Information of Partial Lunar Eclipse August 2017

Source: eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/LEplot/LEplot2001/LE2017Aug07P.pdf

The partial lunar eclipse from 7-8 August 2017 will take place at 22:50 UTC+7 on August 7, 2017 (shown above with P1) as the Moon begins to enter the Earth's penumbral shadow. Then, a small portion of the Moon's face begins to enter the Earth umbra shadow from 00:22 UTC+7 (U1) to 02:18 UTC+7 (U4), its own peak will occur at 01:20 pm (Greatest), ie August 8, 2017.

The lunar eclipse will then end entirely when the Moon leaves the Earth penumbra shadow at 3:50 UTC+7 (P4). That way, the duration of this lunar eclipse reaches 1 hour 55 minutes with the maximum percentage of the peak of the eclipse is 24% disk tergerhanai Moon.

This partial moon eclipse event is quite safe to see with the naked eye with no tools like a binoculars or a telescope. Unlike solar eclipses that require special filtered glasses to protect our eyes from the dangers of the Sun's glare.

This partial lunar eclipse is included in the Saros 119 series and is the 62nd eclipse of a total of 83 eclipses in the series. In this case, the next Saros 119 or 63rd eclipse of the series will occur in about 18 years, precisely on 20 August 2035, which unfortunately is not visible from most parts of Indonesia.

But for partial partial eclipse 7-8 August 2017, Indonesia became one of the best locations to observe it. For those of you who happen to be out of Indonesia during a partial lunar eclipse later, do not worry, this eclipse can also be seen in most of Africa, most of Europe, all of Asia, Australia and Oceania countries.

Information of Partial Lunar Eclipse August 2017

Source: eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/LEplot/LEplot2001/LE2017Aug07P.pdf