AsiaNet-Pakistan Premier Editorial Content and Press Release Distribution Service
Islamabad, July 29 2013 (PPI-OT): The current astronomical analysis by Pakistan Meteorological Department suggests that there is a fair chance of sighting the new moon of Shawaal, 1434 Hijri in the evening of 08th August, 2013, in the southern parts the country. Therefore, the month of Shawaal, would commence from 09th August, 2013 on Friday, subject to confirmation by the Central Ruet-e- Hilal Committee.
According to PMD, the following threshold values of the astronomical parameters are essential for sighting the new moon of Shawaal, 1434Hijri.
Age of the new moon should be more than 31 hours and 20 minutes at the time of twilight for sighting new moon of Shawaal, whereas this time it is more than 40 hours in most parts of the country.
Minimum duration for the new moon after sunset should be more than 41 minutes whereas at this occasion, it is more than this at a number of stations in Sindh and Balochistan.
The positions of the new moon and its angles at the time of sunset are also favourable for sighting of the new moon throughout the country.
As such conditions for the sighting the new moon of Shawaal, on August 08th, 2013 are consonant with the prescribed criteria in the southern parts of country (Sindh and Balochistan), therefore, 1st day of Shawaal would start from 09th August, 2013 on Friday and Eid-ul Fitr would be celebrated in the on Friday 09th August, 2013 subject to confirmation by the Central Ruet-e- Hilal Committee. Partly cloudy/cloudy weather is expected in the southern parts of the country on the evening of 8th August 2013.
For more information, contact:
Pakistan Meteorological Department
Sector H-8/2, Islamabad- Pakistan
Tel: +9251 925 0360 -1
Fax: +9251 925 0368
Email: pakmet_islamabad@yahoo.com
Web: http://www.pakmet.com.pk