The Meteorological Department of Pakistan has issued a scientific forecast regarding the sighting of the Eid moon this year, providing detailed predictions about its visibility and the expected conclusion of Ramadan. Deputy Director of the Meteorological Department, Anjum Nazir, shared insights about the upcoming lunar observations and clarified the likely timing of the Eid celebrations based on astronomical calculations.
According to the Deputy Director, the Central Moon Sighting Committee is scheduled to hold a meeting on 19th March in Islamabad. However, scientific analysis indicates that the Eid moon is unlikely to be sighted on this date. This conclusion is based on precise astronomical calculations regarding the moon’s age and its position relative to the horizon.
Deputy Director Anjum Nazir explained that the new moon will be born at 6:23 a.m. Pakistani Standard Time on 19th March. By sunset on the same day, the moon will have an age of approximately *12 hours. He clarified that this age is insufficient for the moon to be visible even through telescopes, as generally a minimum age of *14 hours is required for successful observation. Therefore, he emphasized that sighting the moon with the naked eye or even with telescopic aid would be extremely difficult, if not impossible, on 19th March.
Based on these observations, it is currently anticipated that Ramadan will complete *30 days, and the first day of **Shawwal, marking Eid, may fall on *21st March, which is a Saturday. However, Deputy Director Nazir underlined that the official announcement of the Eid date can only be made by the Central Moon Sighting Committee after proper observation. The committee’s declaration, he explained, will be based on both astronomical and religious principles, ensuring accuracy and consistency.
He also advised the public to refrain from making assumptions or relying on unofficial sources regarding the Eid date. Non-official predictions or social media claims can be misleading, and only the announcement by the Central Moon Sighting Committee should be considered authoritative. The Meteorological Department’s role, he explained, is limited to providing precise data regarding the moon’s birth, age, and the likelihood of its visibility; the final confirmation of sighting rests solely with the committee.
Deputy Director Anjum Nazir highlighted that the period between the moon’s birth and sunset is crucial for determining visibility. If the moon’s age is insufficient, as is the case this year with only 12 hours, it becomes extremely challenging to sight the crescent, even with scientific instruments. Consequently, the probability of observing the moon on 19th March is extremely low according to all current calculations and scientific projections.
Further elaborating, he stated that if the moon is sighted on 21st March, that day would mark the first day of Eid. He urged the public to exercise patience and wait for the committee’s announcement before making any preparations. This guidance is meant to prevent confusion and ensure that Eid is celebrated on the correct day according to both astronomical data and religious observance.
The forecast by the Meteorological Department serves as a scientific guide for the public, providing accurate information based on astronomical data and calculations. Deputy Director Nazir emphasized that the department relies on careful measurements and analysis of the moon’s birth, age, and position, ensuring that citizens receive reliable guidance for planning the conclusion of Ramadan and the Eid celebrations.
Overall, this scientific prediction will help the public prepare for Eid with certainty, allowing them to celebrate the festival on the correct day, aligned with both tradition and verified observation. By providing these insights in advance, the Meteorological Department aims to reduce confusion and enable families and communities to mark the festival with proper arrangements and celebrations.
The current observations indicate that 19th March will not be suitable for sighting the Eid moon due to its young age. The most likely date for Eid is 21st March, pending official confirmation by the Central Moon Sighting Committee. The department’s guidance ensures that the public receives clear and scientifically accurate information, allowing for a smooth and joyous observance of Eid after the completion of 30 days of Ramadan.