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.

The Universe is Not a God

The feast of Eid al-Adha is a day to commemorate the Prophet Ibrahim's incident that is willing to slaughter his son, the prophet who is willing to do anything for the sake of his God. God of the universe, the God who created the heavens, the earth and the whole.

Allah is the creator of this universe

In addition to the story of slaughter of Prophet Ismail by Prophet Ibrahim, there is something quite interesting from the story of the prophet Ibrahim, that is when the journey of Prophet Ibrahim looking for his God. Prophet Ibrahim traveled for days to seek his God, and he observed all the objects of the universe, from the stars, the moon and the Sun. this story is in the Qur'an Surah Al-An'am verse 75-79 :

Verse 75 :

وَكَذَلِكَ نُرِي إِبْرَاهِيمَ مَلَكُوتَ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالأرْضِ وَلِيَكُونَ مِنَ الْمُوقِنِينَ

"And thus We show Abraham the signs of the glory (We who are) in the heavens and the earth, and (We show them) that Ibrahim is of the believers."

Verse 76 :

فلما جن عليه الليل رأى كوكبا قال هذا ربي فلما أفل قال لا أحب الآفلين

"When the night has darkened, he sees a star (then) he says: "This is my Lord" But when the star drowned he said: "I do not like the drowning ones".

Verse 77 :

فلما رأى القمر بازغا قال هذا ربي فلما أفل قال لئن لم القوم الضالين

"Then when he saw the rising moon he said:" This is my Lord ". But when the moon sets, he says: "If my Lord has not guided me, I will be among the heretics."

Verse 78 :

فلما رأى الشمس بازغة قال هذا ربي هذا أكبر فلما أفلت قال يا قوم إني بريء مما تشركون

"Then when he saw the rising sun he said:" This is my Lord, this is the greater one ", so when the sun sets, he says:" O my people! I am detached from what ye associate (the Sun). "


Verse : 79

إني وجهت وجهي للذي فطر السماوات والأرض حنيفا وما أنا من المشركين

"Verily I have exposed myself to the Lord who created the heavens and the earth tending to true religion, and I am not of those who associate the God."

Explanation :
In the above verses, Allah ordered the Prophet Muhammad to narrate the propagation of Prophet Ibrahim who invites humans to be religious monotheism and avoids the worship of a statue that brings human to error, accompanied by strong reasons and evidence. The universe and all its contents are powerful to prove the unity of God and the wickedness of the idolaters (Musyrikiin).

Verse 75.
In this verse Allah gives an explanation again, how Allah revealed the majesty of his creation in the heavens and the earth. Allah revealed to Ibrahim the heavenly bodies of varying shapes and arrangements, all of them circulating according to each rule on a regular basis. Earth consisting of layers that contain lots of minerals and jewelry, is very useful and give many benefit to humans.
All of that is a proof of Allah's majesty, which can be understood by human, by thinking according to his word (Al-Qur'an).
Allah also explains the purpose of the introduction of Ibrahim to the beauty of his creation, in order to be made evidences in preaching to unbelieving idolaters (Musyrikiin), and become a guide for him to be someone who truly believe in the unity of Allah.

Verse 76.
After that Allah explained the process of introducing Ibrahim to God in details explanation. first experience of Prophet Ibrahim when looking at the stars. at the time the stars appear to glow and when the star is not glowing.
Ibrahim saw a brightest star. Then the question arises in his heart. "Is this my Lord? But after the star sank and disappeared from his view, there was a belief that he was unhappy with the drowning and disappearing, let alone regarding it as God.

This was the reason of Ibrahim to break the faith of his people that "all that changed was not deserved to be a God". The conclusion of Ibrahim is the conclusion of the right way of thinking that accordance with nature. And anyone who makes same observations so they will produce same conclusion.

Verse 77.

This verse is similar to the previous verse. Allah also explains the observation of the Prophet Ibrahim against the luminous celestial bodies and the greater, it is the Moon.

After the Prophet Ibrahim saw the rising Moon, an impression came to his heart to say, "Is this my Lord?" Then after the moon sets out from the horizon and disappears from his view, he gives the same statement as when he saw the stars set, to his people to know that the Moon is also not God. The second statement of the prophet Ibrahim is more appealing than the first.

Verse 78.

Allah tells his stronger insinuation. That is the observation of the Prophet Abraham to the sun, the most luminous celestial bodies in the universe,

When he sees the sun rising on the horizon, he says "What I see now is my Lord, It is greater than the Stars and the Moon." But after the sun set and disappeared from his view, he issued a warning to his people: "O my people, actually I escape from what you worship."

This insinuation is the stronger insinuation to silence his people so that they do not make any argument to deny the truth brought by Ibrahim.

Verse 79.

After some of his observations Ibrahim devoted himself to worshiping to Allah who created the heavens and the earth.

Ibrahim tended to the religion of monotheism (a religion that held that God is one) and stated that other religions were void, and he was not among the polytheists. The Universe is not a God, and the God is the only one. 

Operational Telescope : Ioptron Versa 108 ED APO OTA with Ioptron Minitower II-8300-2G Mount

A. The Parts

The Parts of OTA

1. Telescope Tubes

2. Objective Lenses
3. Lens Fence
4. Tube Clamps
5. Clamp Key
6. Focuser Hinges Key
7. Eyepiece Placement Hole
8. Focuser
9. Eyepiece Key
10. Focuser Key

The Part of Mount

1. Clamp Lock
2. Telescope Tube Clamps
3. Mount Hinges
4. Azimut / Horizontal Key
5. Screw Regulator of the Square
6. Southern Sign
7. Waterpass
8. Vertical Hinge Key
9. Balancing Counter Key
10. Iron Measuring Equilibrium
11. Load Balancer

The Button of Controller

B. Specifications
1. OTA (Optical Tube Assembly)
Aperture: 108mm
Focal Length: 648mm
Ratio: F6
Lens Type: 2 elements Air-spaced ED S-FPL51 + S-NBM51 glass
Focuser: 2 ", 360 ° Rotatable 1:11 Crayford dual speed focuser
Tube Length: 535 mm (Fully Retractable)
Tube Weight: 12 lbs.

2. Mount
Mount: AltAzimuth Mount, Equatorial mount with special tripod
Body Materials: Aluminum
Motor: Dual-Axis DC Servomotor, DC12V
Speed: Dual-Axis, 9-Gear, Electronic (1 × 2 ×, 8 ×, 16 ×, 64 ×, 128 ×, 256 ×, 512 ×, MAX)
GPS: 32-channel GPS
GOTO System: GOTONOVATM 130,000 objects database
GOTO accuracy: 1 Arc Min. (Typical)
Tracking: Automatic
Battery: AA x 8 (Not Included)
Power Requirement: DC 12V ± 2V,> 1.2A
USB Port: Yes
Protocol : ASCOM
Firmware Upgrade: Yes
Computer Control: Yes

C. Usage

1. Installation (assemblying)
Installation of the device consists of a tripod, mount, telescope, ballast, hand controller, and others so that all installed properly and ready to operate.
One of the most important things in this step is balancing between the telescope with the balancer. The unbalanced state will affect the accuracy when tracking.
In addition, leveling (flattening position) of the tripod should also be considered, using the waterpas or (bubble level indicator) found on the bottom of the mount.

2. Initial Position Settings
Positioning the telescope on home position (parking position) or initial condition correctly. For the Ioptron MiniTower II telescope with Altazimuth Mode, the home position is facing the mount to the South and the OTA position is raised to the zenith. At this positioning stage the compass is required to show the exact South direction.

3. Operational
A. Set Up Controller
There are some important settings that need to be set:
1. Time
2. Time Zone
3. Coordinate Place
4. Mount type

B. Alignment
Although telescope already directed to the South and Zenith, but adjustments to the state of the sky (calibration) still needs to be done, because not necessarily our telescope is pointed to the South and Zenith appropriately.
There are several calibrations that can be done:
1. One Star Alignment
2. Two Star Alignmnet
3. Three Star Alignment
4. Polaris Position Alignment
The suggested calibration is calibration with 3 stars or with Polaris, but for locations with southern latitudes, Polaris calibration can not be used, because Polaris stars can not be observed in the southern latitudes.
Calibration of 3 stars can only be used at nighttime, in the daytime no stars can be observed cause the stars beaten by the sun, so for daytime observation, or Crescent observation for "rukyatul hilal", can be done  Sun Position calibration .
The calibration of the Sun position is not in the "One Star Alignment" menu, so we use another method, "Slew and Sync" menu, we navigate to the Sun in the "Select and Slew" option, then we sync the Sun's observations on the telescope lens with the "Sync to Target" option.

C. Tracking
After the data is loaded, and calibration is done, we can select the object to be observed by selecting "Select and Slew" menu. This menu provides various objects that can be observed. There are about 13,000 objects in this mount database. By pressing "enter" the tracking process can automatically be done.

Display on the Controller

D. Focusing

This stage is to be done to sharpen the image produced on the eyepiece lens, this stage is done by turning Focuser on OTA until our eyes feel comfortable to see the object, and the result object is not blur. Each observer's individual eye is different in focus settings, this is because of the possibility of eye defects in the eye's lens
.
E. Setup Tracking
The next stage is to set tracking speed, there are several options:
1. Sidereal Speed ​​/ Celestial Speed, observations for the stars
2. Solar Speed, Observations for the Sun and the Planet

3. Lunar Speed, Observation for the Moon / Crescent

Islamic Astronomy Tools : Celestron Nexstar 4 SE

In studying a science, of course there are theories and also field practice, studying physics and biology must definitely practice in the laboratory, learning sports science should definitely practice in the field, learning the language of science should also practice in the language laboratory.

The need for practice in learning a science is a necessity, as well as the science of Islamic Astronomy. according to some people's understanding, Islamic Astronomy deals with the calculations of heavenly bodies, but they are useless if they are not applied in the field. there are several tools that become the needs of the astronomers, one of which is the telescope. In Islamic Astronomy the telescope is usually used for rukyatul hilal (observing the crescent) in the determination of lunar calendar, or for eclipse observation.

Source : https://www.celestron.com

This time I will discuss a bit about the use and specifications of Celestron Nexstar 4 SE telescope.

CELESTRON NEXSTAR 4 SE

The telescope has two functions, the first of which serves as a horizontal telescope, and the second serves as an equatorial telescope. This is one of the advantages of this telescope. for the tube type is a reflector telescope with a cassegrain telescope design.

Telescope parts:

Source : https://www.celestron.com

1. Optical Tube, the main part of the telescope, in this section will occur light reflection, which will then produce images of distant objects.

2. Star Pointer Finderscope, this section serves to make it easier when shooting sky objects.

3. Eyepiece, this part is the ocular lens of the telescope, this lens can also be changed to adjust the magnification of the telescope.

4. Focuser Knob, this section is used to adjust the focus of the telescope image. This section should always be arranged, especially if we replace eyepiece or change of observer, so that picture is always sharp.

5. Threaded Photographic Adapter, an adapter for SLR / DSLR cameras that have been connected by T-ring

6. Flip Mirror Control, Flip Glass used for image selection, whether light is forwarded to the camera ?, or is reflected to eyepiece ?.

7. Battery Compartment, Battery Place, this telescope needs 8 batteries to run it.

8. Tripod, this part is the foot of the telescope that supports mounting and tubes. This section is also commonly used to regulate the flatness of the telescope.

9. Accessory Tray, place to put various accessory, like eyepiece, T-ring. On the side of the Accessory Tray there is a vertical stick, this stick is used to support when we will use the telescope with equatorial model.

Source : https://www.celestron.com

10. ON / OFF Switch, the button to turn the telescope on and off, beside this button is also an AC Adapter input which is used to run telescope without battery.

11. Hand Control, this part is a remote used to control the telescope.

12. Liquid Crystal Display, Screen on the remote, inside is also usually listed coordinates of the telescope and also objects observed celestial objects.

For how to use? please visit this link Operational Celestron NexStar 4SE.

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.

Capture the Phenomenon of Partial Lunar Eclipse 7-8 August 2017

Visualitation of Partial Lunar Eclipse 7-8 August 2017

Source : MrEclipse.com

Date 7-8 August 2017 is a special date where on that date there will be a rare phenomenon, the phenomenon of partial lunar eclipse. The phenomenon would be very interesting if we managed to record and immortalize it.

But capturing images from the lunar eclipse is not an easy thing, sometimes a photographer difficult to take pictures, due to the lunar eclipse conditions that enter the full phase, the moonlight will be brighter.

At the time of the full moon, the earth is between the Moon and the Sun. The sunlight is reflected by the Moon towards us, so there is no Earth's shadow on the Moon that is used to adjust the contrast. Unlike at the time of the crescent moon, Crescent moon can be recorded with longer exposure or darker background to show the best light, although it is sometimes difficult to do.

So how to capture a lunar eclipse that right? We have a few ways and tricks for that.

1. Take pictures with twilight mode. If your camera does not have manual controls, choose the twilight shooting mode. With this mode, a very bright moonlight will be photographed with a fairly short exposure. If there is no twilight mode then use the automatic mode, and use the flash. The flash will shorten the exposure time so the moon does not experience overexposure. For close-up wear the highest lens enlargement setting.

2. Manual mode. Set ISO to a low value of 80 or 100 with a 1/80 or 1/100 exposure and f / 6.6 aparture.

3. Adjust the focus. If your camera has "Infinity" mode then it is great. If not there, autofocus is also good.

4. Use a support such as a tripod or a strong support. Enable the image stabilizer in the lens. Remember, the slightest movement has made the image obscure. When using a DSLR, you need a telephoto lens (minimum 300mm). If there is no tripod set ISO to 400 or more to get a shorter exposure without making the image too dark. High ISO values ​​are high noise, so do not use ISO too high.

5. Do not limit snapshots. With a large memory card capacity, you can take multiple shots on an ongoing basis. This is to get the best results, especially with the telephoto lens DSLR camera. Taking pictures with different exposure lengths increases the chances of getting the best photos. When the moon is near full, start with a low ISO, usually 100 with f / 6.6 aperture, and a 1/100 second exposure length. Periodically increase the exposure until the moon image becomes dark, it can take the exposure value 1/60, 1/50, 140, so on regularly.

6. Choose an interesting background. Fortunately the moon moves slowly so make sure enough time to get the background in the form of buildings, trees, or other objects to support the image of the moon in the right position.

7. Edit photos with software. Start by cutting a lot of black background and then adjust the brightness and contrast to get the desired result. We usually choose to reduce saturation because in reality the moon was relatively colorless.

Good luck!.