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| Global Observation Distribution for 2005 October 03 New Moon: |
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| Approximately
200 observations were submitted during early October. The majority came
from countries outside the United Kingdom. The map below shows the
global distribution of observers denoted by the red dots. The United
States was the primary source of observations. The geographical spread
in the United States ranged from the US Virgin Islands to Hawaii and
from Massachusetts to California. Other contributing countries included
Australia, India, South Africa, Turkey, Sweden, The Netherlands,
France, Spain, and Columbia. An observation was also made from a point
off the south-east coast of Trinidad & Tobago! The majority of
these observations were positive ones including several observers who
made observations over two or three nights. |
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| UK Observation Distribution for 2005 October 03 New Moon: |
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|
The map to the left shows the distribution of UK-based observers
denoted by the red dots. The observations which came from the United
Kingdom were, for the most part, negative observations. It seems likely
that the poor weather conditions over the UK at the time of the October
new crescent moon played a significant role in the low number of
observations.
We hope to analyse the first set of sightings shortly to determine how
many submissions were valid, and if any of the observations are
critical ones which may impact on our current predictions.
Our thanks to all those who submitted their observations, please keep up the
good work! |
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| Global Observation Distribution for 2005 November 02 New Moon: |
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Just
over 120 observations were submitted during early November. The map
below shows the global distribution of observers denoted by the red
dots. Contributing countries included Australia, Iran, Oman, United
Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Greece, Italy, Belgium,
France, the United Kingdom, Canada and The United States. Observations
came from longitudes as far east as Sydney in Australia and from as far
west as Anchorage in Alaska. Anchorage was also the most northerly
latitude at which an observation was made and Sydney was also the most
southerly.
Nearly 34% of these observations were positive ones including one or two observers who made
observations over two or three nights. |
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| UK Observation Distribution for 2005 November 02 New Moon: |
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|
The map to the left shows the distribution of UK-based observers denoted by the red dots.
The United Kingdom provided the largest proportion of observations for this month. The
observations from the United Kingdom were mostly negative observations. Only 11% were
positive sightings. Once again, it seems likely that the poor weather conditions over
the UK at the time of the November new crescent moon played a significant role in the
low number of observations and positive sightings.
Our thanks to all those who submitted their observations. |
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| Global Observation Distribution for 2005 December 01 New Moon: |
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Just
over 100 observations were submitted during early December. The map
below shows the global distribution of observers denoted by the red
dots. Contributing countries included Australia, Iran, Oman, Jordan,
Lesotho, Poland, Greece, Belgium, France, the United Kingdom, Morocco,
Canada and The United States. Observations came from longitudes as far
east as Perth in Australia and from as far west as Anchorage in Alaska.
Anchorage was also the most northerly latitude at which an observation
was made and Perth was also the most southerly.
Nearly 47% of these observations were positive ones including one or two observers who made
observations over two or three nights. |
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| UK Observation Distribution for 2005 December 01 New Moon: |
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|
The map to the left shows the distribution of UK-based observers denoted by the red dots.
The United Kingdom provided 53% of observations for this month. The observations from the
United Kingdom yielded more positive observations then the previous new moon. Nearly 45%
were positive sightings.
Our thanks to all those who submitted their observations.
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| Global Observation Distribution for 2005 December 31 New Moon: |
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Just
over 70 observations were submitted during late December and early
January. The map below shows the global distribution of observers
denoted by the red dots. Contributing countries included Australia,
Pakistan, Iran, Oman, Poland, Serbia & Montenegro, Italy, Belgium,
the United Kingdom, Morocco, Canada and The United States. Observations
came from longitudes as far east as Perth in Australia and from as far
west as Berkeley in California. Aberdeenshire in Scotland was the most
northerly latitude at which an observation was made and Perth was also
the most southerly.
Nearly 46% of these observations were positive ones including one or two observers who made
observations over two or three nights. |
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| UK Observation Distribution for 2005 December 31 New Moon: |
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|
The map to the left shows the distribution of UK-based observers denoted by the red dots. Once
again, the United Kingdom provided 53% of observations for this month. The observations from the
United Kingdom yielded more positive observations than the previous new moon. More than 55% were
positive sightings.
On a personal note, the weather in Oxfordshire has finally allowed me
to make my first contribution to this project as an observer. At 16:23
UT on 2006 January 1st, I observed the 37.2 hour-old new crescent moon
in the south-western sky at an altitude of approximately 6°. The Moon
was 3.5% illuminated, some 22° east of the Sun. The observation was
made about half way through civil twilight when the Sun was nearly 3°
below the horizon.
Our thanks to all those who submitted their observations.
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| Global Observation Distribution for 2006 January 29 New Moon: |
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Nearly
90 observations were submitted during late January and early February.
The map below shows the global distribution of observers denoted by the
red dots. Contributing countries included New Zealand, Australia, Oman,
Lesotho, Poland, Germany, Italy, Belgium, the United Kingdom, France,
Spain, Morocco, Canada and The United States. Observations came from
longitudes as far east as Palmerston North in New Zealand and from as
far west as Burnaby in Canada. Aberdeenshire in Scotland was the most
northerly latitude at which an observation was made and Palmerston
North was also the most southerly.
Just over 51% of these observations were positive ones including one or
two observers who made observations over two or three nights. |
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| UK Observation Distribution for 2006 January 29 New Moon: |
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|
The map to the left shows the distribution of UK-based observers
denoted by the red dots. The United Kingdom provided 37% of
observations for this month just pipping the United States by two
submissions. The observations from the United Kingdom yielded nearly
twice as many negative observations as positive observations for this
new crescent moon.
On a personal note, the weather in Oxfordshire allowed me to make my second contribution
to this project as an observer. At 17:03 UT on 2006 January 31st, I observed the 50.8 hour-old new
crescent moon in the south-western sky at an altitude of approximately 19°. The Moon was 6.5%
illuminated, some 30° east of the Sun. The observation was made about a third of the way
through civil twilight when the Sun was just over 2° below the horizon.
Our thanks to all those who submitted their observations.
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| Global Observation Distribution for 2006 February 28 New Moon: |
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More
than 160 observations were submitted during late February and early
March. The map below shows the global distribution of observers denoted
by the red dots. Contributing countries included New Zealand,
Australia, Jordan, Poland, Italy, Belgium, the United Kingdom, France,
Spain, Morocco, The Gambia, the Bahamas and the United States.
Observations came from longitudes as far east as Palmerston North in
New Zealand and from as far west as Oakland, California in the United
States. Inverness in Scotland was the most northerly latitude at which
an observation was made and Palmerston North was also the most
southerly.
Nearly 75% of these observations were positive ones including several
observers who made observations over two, three and four nights. There
were a couple of reports of the new crescent moon being observed on
February 28th from the west coast of the United States and one from
Marrakesh in Morocco. Many observers who contacted the Moonwatch
project noted how clear and sharp the new crescent moon was on March
1st. |
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| UK Observation Distribution for 2006 February 28 New Moon: |
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|
The map to the left shows the distribution of UK-based observers denoted by the red dots. The
United Kingdom provided 74% of the observations for this month of which 78% were positive
ones. Good weather in the UK has yielded significantly more sightings than previous months.
On a personal note, the weather in Oxfordshire allowed me to try and
observe the new crescent moon on four nights from February 28th to
March 3rd inclusive. Despite using binoculars, I did not sight the new
crescent moon on February 28th. At 18:00 UT on 2006 March 1st, I
observed the 41.5 hour-old new crescent moon in the west-south-western
sky at an altitude of approximately 17°. The Moon was 4.2% illuminated,
some 24° east of the Sun. The observation was made about half way
through civil twilight when the Sun was just over 3° below the horizon.
The sighting was classed as category A and was a relatively easy one
Our thanks to all those who submitted their observations.
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| Global Observation Distribution for 2006 March 29 New Moon: |
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Just
under 100 observations were submitted during late March and early
April. The map below shows the global distribution of observers denoted
by the red dots. Contributing countries included Australia, Oman,
Dubai, Israel, Egypt, Turkey, Poland, Germany, Italy, Belgium, the
United Kingdom, Ireland, Morocco, Canada and the United States.
Observations came from longitudes as far east as Perth in Australia and
from as far west as Cool, California in the United States. Inverness in
Scotland was the most northerly latitude at which an observation was
made and Perth was also the most southerly. An observation was also
made shortly after the total eclipse of the Sun from a ship crossing
the Mediterranean Sea!
Nearly 55% of these observations were positive ones including several
observers who made observations over two, three and four nights. There
were a couple of reports of the new crescent moon being observed on
March 29th from Dartmouth, Nova Scotia in Canada and one from
Nottingham in England. |
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| UK Observation Distribution for 2006 March 29 New Moon: |
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|
The map to the left shows the distribution of UK-based observers denoted by the red dots. The
United Kingdom provided 55% of the observations for this month of which 49% were positive
ones. Poor weather in the UK has had reduced the number of sightings this month.
On a personal note, poor weather in Oxfordshire prevented me making any observations this month.
However, the weather in Turkey was good enough for an excellent view of the total eclipse of the
Sun!
Our thanks to all those who submitted their observations.
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| Global Observation Distribution for 2006 April 27 New Moon: |
|
Just under 120 observations were submitted during late April and early May. The map below
shows the global distribution of observers denoted by the red dots. Contributing countries
included Oman, Iran, South Africa, Germany, Italy, Belgium, the United Kingdom, Morocco and
the United States. Observations came from longitudes as far east as Muscat in Oman and from
as far west as Cool, California in the United States. Inverness in Scotland was the most
northerly latitude at which an observation was made and Cape Town in South Africa was the
most southerly.
Nearly 58% of these observations were positive ones including several observers who made
observations over two, three and four nights. There were no reports of the new crescent moon
being observed on April 27th. |
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| UK Observation Distribution for 2006 April 27 New Moon: |
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|
The map to the left shows the distribution of UK-based observers denoted by the red dots. The
United Kingdom provided 70% of the observations for this month of which 56% were positive
ones. Poor weather again limited the number of sightings.
On a personal note, the weather in Oxfordshire allowed one sighting of the new crescent moon on
April 29th. At 20:44 UT, I observed the 48.0 hour-old new crescent moon in the western sky at an
altitude of approximately 19°. The Moon was 5% illuminated, some 27° east of the Sun.
The observation was made during civil twilight when the Sun was nearly 4°
below the horizon. A photograph of this easy sighting is given below.
Our thanks to all those who submitted their observations.
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| Global Observation Distribution for 2006 May 27 New Moon: |
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Just
under 240 observations were submitted during late May and early June.
The map below shows the global distribution of observers denoted by the
red dots. Contributing countries included Brunei, Oman, Finland, Crete
(Greece), Poland, South Africa, Belgium, the United Kingdom, Ireland,
France, Spain, Guyana and the United States. Observations came from
longitudes as far east as Bandar Seri Begawan in Brunei and from as far
west as Castro Valley, California in the United States. Stronsay in the
Orkney Islands was the most northerly latitude at which an observation
was made and Cape Town in South Africa was the most southerly.
Nearly 58% of these observations were positive ones including several
observers who made observations over two, three and four nights. There
were a several reports of the new crescent moon being observed on May
27th from locations in New York, Cochise County in Arizona, Castro
Valley and Morro Bay in California in the United States and one from
Grimsby in England. Four of the U.S.-based sightings of the crescent
were made with binoculars and then with the naked-eye. The remaining
Arizona-based sighting of a 21-hour old crescent moon was made with the
naked eye. |
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| UK Observation Distribution for 2006 May 27 New Moon: |
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|
The map to the left shows the distribution of UK-based observers denoted by the red dots. The
United Kingdom provided 83% of the observations for this month of which 55% were positive
ones. Interest generated by an "Astronomy Now" article on a possible record sighting of a
young crescent moon in the UK and an item on the BBC Radio 4 programme "Material World" seems
to have swelled the number of observers this month.
The Grimsby sighting is an interesting observation. If it can be verified, this would constitute
a UK record naked-eye sighting of the new crescent moon at an age of 15.1 hours. The observation
was made at 21:30 BST on May 27th when the Moon was 5 degrees above the horizon and the Sun was
nearly 3° below the horizon. The observation was made with clouds on the western horizon
when the crescent was 0.5% illuminated. Unfortunately, the observational record is not complete
and we cannot completely rule out the possibility of a mis-identification.
On a personal note, poor weather permitted me only one very easy sighting on May 30th.
Our thanks to all those who submitted their observations.
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| Global Observation Distribution for 2006 June 25 New Moon: |
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A
total of 160 observations were submitted during late June. The map
below shows the global distribution of observers denoted by the red
dots. Contributing countries included Australia, Brunei, Oman,
Tanzania, Crete (Greece), Italy, Belgium, the United Kingdom, Nigeria,
Ireland, France, Spain, Canada and the United States. Observations came
from longitudes as far east as Perth in Australia and from as far west
as Berkeley, California in the United States. Buckie in Morayshire,
Scotland was the most northerly latitude at which an observation was
made and Perth in Australia was the most southerly.
Just under 41% of these observations were positive ones, including a few observers who made
observations over as many as four nights. Our earliest reported sighting of new crescent moon
this month came from Muscat in Oman June 26th.
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| UK Observation Distribution for 2006 June 25 New Moon: |
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|
The map to the left shows the distribution of UK-based observers
denoted by the red dots. The United Kingdom provided just over 76% of
the observations for this month of which just over 38% were positive
ones. Our earliest reported sighting of the new crescent moon in the
United Kingdom was made from Harwell in Oxfordshire on June 27th.
On a personal note, bad weather prevented any observations of this new crescent moon.
Our thanks to all those who submitted their observations.
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| Global Observation Distribution for 2006 July 25 New Moon: |
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More
than 100 observations were submitted during late July. The map below
shows the global distribution of observers denoted by the red dots.
Contributing countries included New Zealand, Indonesia, Serbia, Italy,
Belgium, the United Kingdom, France, Spain, Morocco and the United
States. Observations came from longitudes as far east as Palmerston
North in New Zealand and from as far west as Hayward, California in the
United States. Buckie in Morayshire, Scotland was the most northerly
latitude at which an observation was made and Palmerston North in New
Zealand was the most southerly.
Just under 37% of these observations were positive ones, including a few observers who made
observations over as many as five nights. Our earliest reported sighting of new crescent moon
this month came from Gunwalloe, Cornwall in the United Kingdom on July 26th.
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| UK Observation Distribution for 2006 July 25 New Moon: |
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|
The map to the left shows the distribution of UK-based observers
denoted by the red dots. The United Kingdom provided just over 71% of
the observations for this month of which just over 31% were positive
ones. Our earliest reported sighting of the new crescent moon in the
United Kingdom was made from Gunwalloe in Cornwall on July 26th.
On a personal note, bad weather prevented any observations of this new crescent moon.
Our thanks to all those who submitted their observations.
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| Global Observation Distribution for 2006 August 23 New Moon: |
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More
than 100 observations were submitted during late August. The map below
shows the global distribution of observers denoted by the red dots.
Contributing countries included Australia, India, Poland, South Africa,
Italy, Belgium, the United Kingdom, France, Chile, Canada and the
United States. Observations came from longitudes as far east as Perth
in Australia and from as far west as Hayward, California in the United
States. Elgin in Morayshire, Scotland was the most northerly latitude
at which an observation was made and Cape Town in South Africa was the
most southerly.
Just under 28% of these observations were positive ones, including a few observers who made
observations over as many as five nights. Our earliest reported sighting of new crescent moon
this month came from Pulaski, Virginia in the United States on August 25th.
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| UK Observation Distribution for 2006 August 23 New Moon: |
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The map to the left shows the distribution of UK-based observers
denoted by the red dots. The United Kingdom provided 50% of the
observations for this month of which just under 19% were positive ones.
Our earliest reported sighting of the new crescent moon in the United
Kingdom was made with optical assistance from Clarencefield in Dumfries
and Galloway on August 26th.
On a personal note, bad weather prevented any observations of this new crescent moon.
Our thanks to all those who submitted their observations.
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| Global Observation Distribution for 2006 September 22 New Moon: |
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Just
under 70 observations were submitted during late September. The map
below shows the global distribution of observers denoted by the red
dots. Contributing countries included Oman, Saudi Arabia, Italy,
Belgium, the United Kingdom and the United States. Observations came
from longitudes as far east as Muscat in the Sultanate of Oman and from
as far west as Hayward, California in the United States. Alford in
Aberdeenshire, Scotland was the most northerly latitude at which an
observation was made and Muscat in the Sultanate of Oman was the most
southerly.
Just under 29% of these observations were positive ones, including a few observers who made
observations over as many as five nights. Our earliest reported sighting of new crescent moon
this month came from Athens, Alabama in the United States on September 24th.
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| UK Observation Distribution for 2006 September 22 New Moon: |
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| The
map below shows the distribution of UK-based observers denoted by the
red dots. The United Kingdom provided just under 64% of the
observations for this month of which just under 23% were positive ones.
Our earliest reported sighting of the new crescent moon in the United
Kingdom was made from Plymouth in Devon on September 25th. |
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On a personal note, bad weather prevented any observations of this new
crescent moon until September 25th. The photograph below was taken from
The Ridgeway, near West Ilsley, at 19:09 BST, halfway through civil
twilight. The 78 hour-old Moon was 2.2° above the horizon, 9.4%
illuminated and at an elongation of 36° from the Sun. This was
predicted to be a category A sighting (easily visible).
Our thanks to all those who submitted their observations.
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| Global Observation Distribution for 2006 October 22 New Moon: |
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Just
over 120 observations were submitted during late October. The map below
shows the global distribution of observers denoted by the red dots.
Contributing countries included New Zealand, Australia, India,
Pakistan, Iran, Oman, United Arab Emirates, Italy, Switzerland,
Belgium, the United Kingdom, France, Guyana and the United States.
Observations came from longitudes as far east as Oamaru in New Zealand
and from as far west as Hayward, California in the United States.
Buckie in Morayshire, Scotland was the most northerly latitude at which
an observation was made and Oamaru in New Zealand was the most
southerly.
Just over 31% of these observations were positive ones, including a few observers who made
observations over as many as four nights. Our earliest reported sighting of new crescent moon
this month came from Dadanawa, Guyana on October 23rd.
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| UK Observation Distribution for 2006 October 22 New Moon: |
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The map to the left shows the distribution of UK-based observers
denoted by the red dots. The United Kingdom provided just over 51% of
the observations for this month of which just under 23% were positive
ones. Our earliest reported sighting of the new crescent moon in the
United Kingdom was made from Eccles in Greater Manchester on October
25th.
On a personal note, bad weather prevented any observations of this new crescent moon until an easy
sighting was made on October 26th at 17:15 BST.
Our thanks to all those who submitted their observations.
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| Global Observation Distribution for 2006 November 20 New Moon: |
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Just over 90 observations were submitted during late November. The map below
shows the global distribution of observers denoted by the red dots. Contributing countries
included New Zealand, Iran, Qatar, Italy, Belgium, the United Kingdom, Ireland,
France, Morocco and the United States. Observations came from longitudes as far
east as Oamaru in New Zealand and from as far west as Hayward, California in the
United States. Forres in Morayshire, Scotland was the most northerly latitude at which an
observation was made and Oamaru in New Zealand was the most southerly.
Just over 35% of these observations were positive ones, including a few
observers who made observations over as many as four nights. Our
earliest reported sighting of new crescent moon this month came from
Doha, Qatar on November 22nd. |
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| UK Observation Distribution for 2006 November 20 New Moon: |
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|
The map to the left shows the distribution of UK-based observers
denoted by the red dots. The United Kingdom provided just under 63% of
the observations for this month of which just over 35% were positive
ones. Our earliest reported sighting of the new crescent moon in the
United Kingdom was made from Somersham in Huntingdonshire on November
23rd.
On a personal note, bad weather prevented any observations of this new
crescent moon until a very easy sighting was made on November 25th at
18:00 UT in Cottenham, Cambridgeshire.
Our thanks to all those who submitted their observations.
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| Global Observation Distribution for 2006 December 20 New Moon: |
|
Just under 60 observations were submitted during late December. The map below
shows the global distribution of observers denoted by the red dots. Contributing countries
included New Zealand, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Poland, Italy, Belgium, the United Kingdom,
France, Guyana and the United States. Observations came from longitudes as far
east as Oamaru in New Zealand and from as far west as Hayward, California in the
United States. Forres in Morayshire, Scotland was the most northerly latitude at which an
observation was made and Oamaru in New Zealand was the most southerly.
Just under 41% of these observations were positive ones, including a
few observers who made observations over as many as four nights. The
overwhelming majority of positive observations came from the United
States including our earliest reported sighting of new crescent moon
this month which came from Castle Rock, Colorado on December 21st. |
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| UK Observation Distribution for 2006 December 20 New Moon: |
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The map to the left shows the distribution of UK-based observers
denoted by the red dots. The United Kingdom provided nearly 58% of the
observations for this month of which nearly 42% were positive ones. Our
earliest reported sighting of the new crescent moon in the United
Kingdom was made from Barnard Castle in County Durham on December 22nd.
On a personal note, fog prevented any observations of the moon before first quarter on December
27th.
Our thanks to all those who submitted their observations.
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| Global Observation Distribution for 2007 January 19 New Moon: |
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Nearly
150 observations were submitted during middle to late January. The map
below shows the global distribution of observers denoted by the red
dots. Contributing countries included New Zealand, Indonesia, Iran,
United Arab Emirates, Germany, Italy, Belgium, the United Kingdom,
France, Spain, Ireland, Guyana and the United States. Observations came
from longitudes as far east as Oamaru in New Zealand and from as far
west as Bodega Bay, California in the United States. Forres in
Morayshire, Scotland was the most northerly latitude at which an
observation was made and Oamaru in New Zealand was the most southerly.
Just over 73% of these observations were positive ones, including observers who made
observations over as many as five nights. The overwhelming majority of positive observations
came from the United Kingdom. Our earliest reported sighting of new crescent moon this month
came from Louisville, Colorado on January 19th using a telescope. The earliest naked-eye
sighting came from Qomsheh, Iran on January 20th. |
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The sightings on January 20th were enhanced by the proximity of Venus
to the new crescent moon. The geocentric conjunction between these two
objects took place at 16:52 UT. The magnitude of Venus was -3.7 and the
illuminated fraction of the Moon was 3%. The geocentric separation of
the two objects was less than 1°.For observers in South Africa, the
southern tip of South America and Antarctica, the effect of parallax
meant that Venus was occulted by the crescent moon but for observers
elsewhere in the world Venus lay to the north of the crescent moon.
The image to the left of Venus and the new crescent moon was taken on
20th January 2007 at 17:48 UT from Plymouth, almost an hour after the
geocentric conjunction of the two objects. Our thanks go to Jerry Lock
for permission to use his fine photograph. This image was taken a
quarter of an hour after the so-called "best time" to observe the
crescent moon. This observation would be classed as a category A (easy)
sighting.
The crescent moon in this picture is nearly 5° above the horizon.
Venus, at the top of this image, is a little over 6° above the horizon.
Both objects lay in a south-westerly direction. The photograph was
taken halfway through nautical twilight or about an hour after sunset,
when the elongation of the 38-hour old Moon was 21° from the Sun. |
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| UK Observation Distribution for 2007 January 19 New Moon: |
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|
The map to the left shows the distribution of UK-based observers
denoted by the red dots. The United Kingdom provided just over 67% of
the observations for this month of which nearly 79% were positive ones.
Our earliest reported sighting of the new crescent moon in the United
Kingdom was made from Guisborough in North Yorkshire on January 20th at
16:15 UT using binoculars. The earliest naked-eye sighting came from
Edinburgh, Scotland on January 20th at 16:30 UT.
On a personal note, I sighted the new crescent moon just below Venus on
January 20th at 17:50 UT through clouds.
Our thanks to all those who submitted their observations and also to
Jack in Soquel, California who provided this image of the crescent moon
and Venus on January 21st 2007 at 17:45 PST. |
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| Global Observation Distribution for 2007 February 17 New Moon: |
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Nearly
90 observations were submitted during late February. The map below
shows the global distribution of observers denoted by the red dots.
Contributing countries included Australia, Oman, Qatar, Poland,
Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, Ireland, France and the United
States. Observations came from longitudes as far east as Perth in
Australia and from as far west as Berkeley, California in the United
States. Inverness in Highland, Scotland was the most northerly latitude
at which an observation was made and Perth in Australia was the most
southerly.
Just over 49% of these observations were positive ones, including a
couple of observers who made observations over as many as four nights.
The earliest reported sighting of new crescent moon this month was made
using a telescope from Ibra, Oman on February 18th. The first reported
naked-eye sighting was made from Krakow, Poland on February 18th. |
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| UK Observation Distribution for 2007 February 17 New Moon: |
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The map to the left shows the distribution of UK-based observers denoted by the red dots. The
United Kingdom provided nearly 59% of the observations for this month of which just over 43% were
positive ones. Our earliest reported naked-eye sighting of the new crescent moon in the United
Kingdom was made from Chelmsford in Essex on February 19th.
On a personal note, cloud prevented any observations of the Moon before a very easy sighting could
be made through cloud on February 20th.
Our thanks to all those who submitted their observations.
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| Global Observation Distribution for 2007 March 19 New Moon: |
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140
observations were submitted during late March. The map below shows the
global distribution of observers denoted by the red dots. Contributing
countries included New Zealand, Australia, Indonesia, Pakistan, Qatar,
Saudi Arabia, Poland, Italy, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom,
Ireland, France, Morocco, Jamaica, Guyana and the United States.
Observations came from longitudes as far east as Oamaru in New Zealand
and from as far west as Santa Rosa, California in the United States.
Ellon in Aberdeenshire, Scotland was the most northerly latitude at
which an observation was made and Oamaru in New Zealand was the most
southerly.
Just over 76% of these observations were positive ones, including several observers who made
observations over three nights and one who made observations over five nights. The earliest
reported sighting of new crescent moon this month was made from Union City, New Jersey in the
United States on March 19th with the naked eye.
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| UK Observation Distribution for 2007 March 19 New Moon: |
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The map to the left shows the distribution of UK-based observers
denoted by the red dots. The United Kingdom provided just over 61% of
the observations for this month of which just under 83% were positive
ones. Our earliest reported naked-eye sighting of the new crescent moon
in the United Kingdom was made from Plymouth, Devon on March 20th.
On a personal note, sleet showers prevented any observations on March
19th. However, a very easy sighting was made and photographs were taken
from Harwell on March 20th.
The photograph above was taken at 18:44 UT towards the end of civil
twilight and shows a 40 hour-old, 4% illuminated crescent.
Our thanks to all those who submitted their observations.
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| Global Observation Distribution for 2007 April 17 New Moon: |
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Just
under 140 observations were submitted during late April. The map below
shows the global distribution of observers denoted by the red dots.
Contributing countries included Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Poland,
Slovenia, Italy, Nigeria, Belgium, the United Kingdom, Ireland and the
United States. Observations came from longitudes as far east as
Karawang in Indonesia and from as far west as Olympia, Washington State
in the United States. Alford in Aberdeenshire, Scotland was the most
northerly latitude at which an observation was made and Karawang in
Indonesia was the most southerly.
Just
over 86% of these observations were positive ones, including several
observers who made observations over as many as five nights. The
earliest reported sighting of new crescent moon this month was made
from St. Albans, Hertfordshire in the United Kingdom on April 17th with
the naked eye. This sighting is an interesting one in that our current
model would suggest that no sighting could be made from the United
Kingdom on April 17th as the crescent lay beyond the Danjon limit. The
only other reported sighting made on April 17th came from St. Louis,
Missouri in the United States. This naked-eye sighting is also
interesting in that our model suggests that this sighting would have
required optical aid. Both sightings merit further investigation.
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| UK Observation Distribution for 2007 April 17 New Moon: |
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The map to the left shows the distribution of UK-based observers
denoted by the red dots. The United Kingdom provided just over 75% of
the observations for this month of which just over 89% were positive
ones. Our earliest reported naked-eye sighting of the new crescent moon
in the United Kingdom was made from St. Albans, Hertfordshire on April
17th.
On a personal note, observations of this crescent moon were attempted
without success on April 17th and successfully on the following three
nights. Photographs were taken from Harwell and The Ridgeway in
Oxfordshire on April 18th and April 19th.
The photograph above was taken at 19:27 UT halfway through civil
twilight and shows a 32 hour-old, 2.6% illuminated crescent.
Our thanks to all those who submitted their observations.
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| Global Observation Distribution for 2007 May 16 New Moon: |
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A total of 51 observations were submitted during late May. The map below shows the global distribution of observers
denoted by the red dots. Contributing countries included The Maldives, Poland, Italy, Belgium, France, the United
Kingdom and the United States. Observations came from longitudes as far east as Male in the Maldives and from as far
west as Tucson in Arizona in the United States. Inverness in Highland in the United Kingdom was the most northerly
latitude at which an observation was made and Male in the Maldives was the most southerly.
Just over 90% of these observations were positive ones, including two observers who made observations over three nights.
The earliest reported sighting of new crescent moon this month was made from the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory in
Oxfordshire in the United Kingdom on May 17th with the naked eye. Several other naked eye sightings were made in the
United Kingdom later the same night. |
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| UK Observation Distribution for 2007 May 16 New Moon: |
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The map to the left shows the distribution of UK-based observers denoted by the red dots. The United Kingdom provided
just under 65% of the observations for this month of which nearly 91% were positive ones. Our earliest sighting of the
new crescent moon with the naked eye in the United Kingdom was made from the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory in
Oxfordshire on 2007 May 17th.
On a personal note, observations of this crescent moon were made on three nights from May 17th to May 19th inclusive.
Our thanks to all those who submitted their observations.
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| Global Observation Distribution for 2007 June 15 New Moon: |
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A total of 35 observations were submitted during late June. The map below shows the global distribution of observers
denoted by the red dots. Contributing countries included Yemen, Italy, the United Kingdom, Portugal, Morocco and the
United States. Observations came from longitudes as far east as Sana'a in Yemen and from as far west as Tucson in
Arizona in the United States. Alford in Aberdeenshire in the United Kingdom was the most northerly latitude at which
an observation was made and Sana'a in Yemen was the most southerly.
Just over 51% of these observations were positive ones, including one observer who made observations over four nights.
The earliest reported sighting of new crescent moon this month was made from Central Park in New York in the United
States with binocular assistance on June 15th. A naked eye sighting was made from Cardiff in Wales in the United
Kingdom on June 16th. |
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| UK Observation Distribution for 2007 June 15 New Moon: |
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The map to the left shows the distribution of UK-based observers denoted by the red dots. The United Kingdom provided
just over 57% of the observations for this month of which 45% were positive ones. Our earliest sighting of the new
crescent moon in the United Kingdom was made from Cardiff in Wales with the naked eye on June 16th.
On a personal note, observations of this crescent moon were attempted without success due to poor weather.
Our thanks to all those who submitted their observations.
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| Global Observation Distribution for 2007 July 14 New Moon: |
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A total of 18 observations were submitted during late July. The map below shows the global distribution of observers
denoted by the red dots. Contributing countries included Iran, Italy, the United Kingdom, Venezuela and the United
States. Observations came from longitudes as far east as Qomsheh in Iran and from as far west as Gasport in New York
State in the United States. Guisborough in North Yorkshire in the United Kingdom was the most northerly latitude at
which an observation was made and Merida in Venezuela was the most southerly.
Just under 39% of these observations were positive ones, including one observer who made observations over four nights.
No successful sightings were made on July 14th and July 15th. The earliest reported sighting of new crescent moon this
month was made from Plymouth in Devon in the United Kingdom with the naked eye on July 16th followed by one in Gasport,
New York State on the same day. |
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| UK Observation Distribution for 2007 July 14 New Moon: |
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The map to the left shows the distribution of UK-based observers denoted by the red dots. The United Kingdom provided
just over 61% of the observations for this month of which just over 54% were positive ones. Our earliest sighting of
the new crescent moon in the United Kingdom was made from Plymouth in Devon with the naked eye on July 16th.
On a personal note, observations of this crescent moon were attempted without success due to poor weather.
Our thanks to all those who submitted their observations.
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| Global Observation Distribution for 2007 August 12 New Moon: |
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A total of 26 observations were submitted during late August. The map below shows the global distribution of observers
denoted by the red dots. Contributing countries included Pakistan, Turkey, Poland, the United Kingdom, Canada and the
United States. Observations came from longitudes as far east as Gwadar in Pakistan and from as far west as Sacramento,
in California in the United States. Coventry in the West Midlands in the United Kingdom was the most northerly latitude
at which an observation was made and Gwadar in Pakistan was the most southerly.
Just over 46% of these observations were positive ones, including one observer who made observations over five nights.
No successful sightings were made on August 12th and August 13th. The earliest reported sighting of new crescent moon this
month was made from Yaak in Montana in the United States with the naked eye on August 14th. |
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| UK Observation Distribution for 2007 August 12 New Moon: |
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The map to the left shows the distribution of UK-based observers denoted by the red dots. The United Kingdom provided
just under 54% of the observations for this month of which 50% were positive ones. Our earliest sighting of the new
crescent moon in the United Kingdom was made from Somersham in Huntingdonshire with binoculars on August 15th.
On a personal note, observations of this crescent moon were attempted without success due to poor weather.
Our thanks to all those who submitted their observations.
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| Global Observation Distribution for 2007 September 11 New Moon: |
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A total of 22 observations were submitted during late September. The map below shows the global distribution of observers
denoted by the red dots. Contributing countries included Australia, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Kingdom and
the United States. Observations came from longitudes as far east as Sydney in Australia and from as far west as Gasport,
New York State in the United States. Dewsbury in West Yorkshire in the United Kingdom was the most northerly latitude at
which an observation was made and Sydney in Australia was the most southerly.
Just over 36% of these observations were positive ones, including one observer who made observations over four nights. No
sightings were made on September 11th and September 12th. The earliest reported sighting of new crescent moon this month
was made from Jakarta in Indonesia with binocular assistance on September 13th. The first reported naked eye sighting was
made on September 15th from Somersham in Huntingdonshire in the United Kingdom. |
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| UK Observation Distribution for 2007 September 11 New Moon: |
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The map to the left shows the distribution of UK-based observers denoted by the red dots. The United Kingdom provided more
than 54% of the observations for this month of which just over 33% were positive ones. Our earliest sighting of the
new crescent moon in the United Kingdom was made from Somersham in Huntingdonshire with binoculars on September 14th.
On a personal note, observations of this crescent moon were attempted without success due to poor weather.
Our thanks to all those who submitted their observations.
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| Global Observation Distribution for 2007 October 11 New Moon: |
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A total of 33 observations were submitted during late October. The map below shows the global distribution of observers
denoted by the red dots. Contributing countries included Indonesia, Uzbekistan, India, Mauritius, Italy, the United Kingdom,
and the United States. Observations came from longitudes as far east as Jakarta in Indonesia and from as far west as Hayward,
California in the United States. Glasgow in Scotland in the United Kingdom was the most northerly latitude at which an
observation was made and Jakarta in Indonesia was the most southerly.
Just over 30% of these observations were positive ones, including one observer who made observations over five nights. No
sightings were made on November 9th and November 10th. The earliest reported sighting of new crescent moon this month was
made from Jakarta in Indonesia with telescopic assistance on October 12th. The first naked eye report was made later on
the same day from Trento in Italy. |
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| UK Observation Distribution for 2007 October 11 New Moon: |
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The map to the left shows the distribution of UK-based observers denoted by the red dots. The United Kingdom provided more
than 66% of the observations for this month of which just over 27% were positive ones. Our earliest naked eye sighting of the
new crescent moon in the United Kingdom was made from Coventry in the West Midlands on October 15th.
On a personal note, observations of this crescent moon were attempted without success due to poor weather until October 15th
when an easy sighting of the new moon was made.
Our thanks to all those who submitted their observations.
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| Global Observation Distribution for 2007 November 09 New Moon: |
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A total of 68 observations were submitted during late November. The map below shows the global distribution of observers denoted
by the red dots. Contributing countries included Uzbekistan, Mauritius, Italy, Belgium, the United Kingdom, Morocco and the
United States. Observations came from longitudes as far east as Tashkent in Uzbekistan and from as far west as San Francisco,
California in the United States. Inverness in Highland in the United Kingdom was the most northerly latitude at which an
observation was made and Port Louis in Mauritius was the most southerly.
Just over 47% of these observations were positive ones, including two observers who made observations over as many as five nights.
No sightings were made on November 9th and November 10th. The earliest reported sighting of new crescent moon this month was made
from Rio Rico in Arizona in the United States with the naked eye on November 11th. |
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| UK Observation Distribution for 2007 November 09 New Moon: |
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The map to the left shows the distribution of UK-based observers denoted by the red dots. The United Kingdom provided 50% of
the observations for this month of which just under 53% were positive ones. Our earliest reported binocular sighting of the
new crescent moon in the United Kingdom was made from Somersham in Huntingdonshire on November 12th followed an hour later
by a naked eye sighting in Sherborne in Dorset.
On a personal note, observations of this crescent moon were attempted without success due to poor weather.
Our thanks to all those who submitted their observations.
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| Global Observation Distribution for 2007 December 09 New Moon: |
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A total of 95 observations were submitted during late December. The map below shows the global distribution of observers denoted
by the red dots. Contributing countries included Indonesia, Mauritius, Egypt, Poland, Italy, Belgium, France, the United Kingdom,
Morocco and the United States. Observations came from longitudes as far east as Yogyakarta in Indonesia and from as far west as
Hayward, California in the United States. Forres in Morayshire in the United Kingdom was the most northerly latitude at which an
observation was made and Port Louis in Mauritius was the most southerly.
Just over 48% of these observations were positive ones, including two observers who made observations over as many as six nights.
No sightings were made on December 9th. The earliest reported sighting of new crescent moon this month was made from Port Louis
in Mauritius with binoculars on December 10th. The first naked eye observation was made the following day from Moqatam, Cairo in
Egypt. |
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| UK Observation Distribution for 2007 December 09 New Moon: |
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The map to the left shows the distribution of UK-based observers denoted by the red dots. The United Kingdom provided just over
67% of the observations for this month of which just over 59% were positive ones. Our earliest reported naked-eye sighting of
the new crescent moon in the United Kingdom was made from Bolton in Lancashire on December 11th. More sightings were reported
the following day.
On a personal note, observations of this crescent moon were attempted without success due to poor weather until an east sighting
was made on December 12th.
Our thanks to all those who submitted their observations.
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| Global Observation Distribution for 2008 January 08 New Moon: |
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A total of 84 observations were submitted during late January. The map below shows the global distribution of observers denoted
by the red dots. Contributing countries included Indonesia, Poland, Italy, Belgium, Algeria, France, the United Kingdom, Spain,
Ireland and the United States. Observations came from longitudes as far east as Parangkusumo Beach near Yogyakarta in Indonesia
and from as far west as Oakland, California in the United States. Buckie in Banffshire in the United Kingdom was the most
northerly latitude at which an observation was made and Parangkusumo Beach in Indonesia was the most southerly.
Just under 48% of these observations were positive ones, including two observers who made observations over as many as five
nights. No sightings were made on January 8th. The earliest reported sighting of new crescent moon this month was made from
Parangkusumo Beach in Indonesia with binoculars on January 9th. The first naked eye observation was made the same day from
Woonsocket, Rhode Island in the United States. |
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| UK Observation Distribution for 2008 January 08 New Moon: |
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The map to the left shows the distribution of UK-based observers denoted by the red dots. The United Kingdom provided just over
63% of the observations for this month of which just over 41% were positive ones. Our earliest reported naked-eye sighting of
the new crescent moon in the United Kingdom was made from Leyland in Lancashire on January 10th. More sightings were reported
later that day.
On a personal note, observations of this crescent moon were attempted without success due to poor weather.
Our thanks to all those who submitted their observations.
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| Global Observation Distribution for 2008 February 07 New Moon: |
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A total of 131 observations were submitted during late February. The map below shows the global distribution of observers denoted
by the red dots. Contributing countries included Bahrain, Egypt, Italy, Belgium, Algeria, the United Kingdom, Spain, Ireland and
the United States. Observations came from longitudes as far east as Manama in Bahrain and from as far west as Silverdale, Washington
State in the United States. Inverness in Highland in the United Kingdom was the most northerly latitude at which an observation was
made and Manama in Bahrain was the most southerly.
Just over 85% of these observations were positive ones, including two observers who made observations over as many as five nights.
The earliest reported sighting of new crescent moon this month was made from Ochelata in Oklahoma in the United States with binoculars
on February 7th. The first naked eye observation was made the following day from Helwan, Cairo in Egypt. |
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| UK Observation Distribution for 2008 February 07 New Moon: |
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The map to the left shows the distribution of UK-based observers denoted by the red dots. The United Kingdom provided just over
70% of the observations for this month of which 87% were positive ones. Our earliest reported naked-eye sightings of the new
crescent moon in the United Kingdom were made from Charnock Richard in Lancashire and Tiverton in Devon on February 8th. More
sightings were reported later that day.
On a personal note, observations of this crescent moon were attempted without success due to poor weather.
Our thanks to all those who submitted their observations.
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| Global Observation Distribution for 2008 March 07 New Moon: |
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A total of 96 observations were submitted during late March. The map below shows the global distribution of observers denoted by
the red dots. Contributing countries included New Zealand, Iran, Jordan, Poland, Norway, Belgium, France, the United Kingdom,
Guatemala and the United States. Observations came from longitudes as far east as Palmerston North in the North Island of New
Zealand and from as far west as Hayward, California in the United States. Hammerfest in Norway was the most northerly latitude
at which an observation was made and Blenheim in the South Island of New Zealand was the most southerly.
Just under 65% of these observations were positive ones, including two observers who made observations over as many as five
nights. No sightings were reported March 7th. The earliest reported sighting of new crescent moon this month was made from Ardakan
in Iran with telescopic assistance on March 8th. The first naked eye observation was made on the same day in Guisborough, North
Yorkshire in the United Kingdom following a binocular sighting. |
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| UK Observation Distribution for 2008 March 07 New Moon: |
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The map to the left shows the distribution of UK-based observers denoted by the red dots. The United Kingdom provided just under
69% of the observations for this month of which just under 64% were positive ones. Our earliest reported naked-eye sighting of
the new crescent moon in the United Kingdom was made from Guisborough, North Yorkshire on March 8th. Many more sightings were
reported on the following day.
On a personal note, observations of this crescent moon were attempted without success due to poor weather on March 7th and March 8th.
A very easy sighting was made on March 9th.
Our thanks to all those who submitted their observations.
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| Global Observation Distribution for 2008 April 06 New Moon: |
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A total of 113 observations were submitted during late April. The map below shows the global distribution of observers denoted by
the red dots. Contributing countries included Japan, India, Oman, Mauritius, Syria, Poland, Norway, Belgium, France, the United
Kingdom, Ireland, Guyana, Canada and the United States. Observations came from longitudes as far east as Tokyo in Japan and from
as far west as Berkeley, California in the United States. Hammerfest in Norway was the most northerly latitude at which an
observation was made and Port Louis in Mauritius was the most southerly.
Just under 66% of these observations were positive ones, including one or two observers who made observations over as many as
five nights. The earliest reported sighting of new crescent moon this month was made from Sayq in Oman on April 6th with binoculars
and then by the naked eye. This sighting is an interesting one in that our current model would suggest that no sighting could be
made from Oman on April 6th as the crescent lay beyond the Danjon limit. The only other successful observations were made in Halifax,
Nova Scotia in Canada and from the western United States on April 6th with binoculars and the naked eye. A naked eye sighting was
also reported from Bakers Corner in Indiana. |
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| UK Observation Distribution for 2008 April 06 New Moon: |
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The map to the left shows the distribution of UK-based observers denoted by the red dots. The United Kingdom provided just under
65% of the observations for this month of which just over 62% were positive ones. Our earliest reported naked-eye sighting of
the new crescent moon in the United Kingdom was made from Sittingbourne in Kent on April 7th. Many sightings were reported later
on that evening.
On a personal note, observations of this crescent moon were attempted without success on April 6th but successfully the following
night.
Our thanks to all those who submitted their observations.
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| Global Observation Distribution for 2008 May 05 New Moon: |
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A total of 115 observations were submitted during late May. The map below shows the global distribution of observers denoted by
the red dots. Contributing countries included Japan, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Poland, Belgium, France, the United Kingdom, Ireland,
Venezuela and the United States. Observations came from longitudes as far east as Tokyo in Japan and from as far west as
Burlington, Washington State in the United States. Inverness in Highland in Scotland was the most northerly latitude at which an
observation was made and Port Louis in Mauritius was the most southerly.
Just under 82% of these observations were positive ones, including two observers who made observations over as many as five
nights. The earliest reported sighting of new crescent moon this month was made from the Barnsley area of West Yorkshire in the
United Kingdom on May 5th with the naked eye. This sighting is an interesting one in that our current model would suggest that
no sighting could be made from the United Kingdom on May 5th as the crescent lay beyond the Danjon limit. The only other
reported sighting made on May 5th came from West Haven, Connecticut in the United States. This naked-eye sighting is also
interesting in that our model suggests that this sighting would have required optical aid. Both sightings merit further
study. |
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| UK Observation Distribution for 2008 May 05 New Moon: |
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The map to the left shows the distribution of UK-based observers denoted by the red dots. The United Kingdom provided just over
72% of the observations for this month of which just under 81% were positive ones. Our earliest reported naked-eye sighting of
the new crescent moon in the United Kingdom was made from the Barnsley area, West Yorkshire on May 5th. Many sightings were
reported on May 6th as the visibility of the Moon had become much easier by then.
On a personal note, observations of this crescent moon were attempted without success on May 5th but successfully on the
following night.
Our thanks to all those who submitted their observations.
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| Global Observation Distribution for 2008 June 03 New Moon: |
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A total of 73 observations were submitted during late June. The map below shows the global distribution of observers denoted by
the red dots. Contributing countries included Japan, Mauritius, Jordan, Belgium, France, the United Kingdom, Ireland and the
United States. Observations came from longitudes as far east as Tokyo in Japan and from as far west as Hayward, California in
the United States. Edinburgh in Midlothian, Scotland was the most northerly latitude at which an observation was made and Port
Louis in Mauritius was the most southerly.
Just over 63% of these observations were positive ones, including two observers who made observations over four nights. As
expected, no sightings were made on June 3rd. Our earliest reported sighting of new crescent moon this month was made from the
Morden area of Surrey in the United Kingdom on June 4th with the naked eye. Sightings with binocular assistance were also made
in the United Kingdom and Ireland that day followed by naked eye sightings from the United States later on that day. |
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| UK Observation Distribution for 2008 June 03 New Moon: |
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The map to the left shows the distribution of UK-based observers denoted by the red dots. The United Kingdom provided just under
59% of the observations for this month of which just over 60% were positive ones. Our earliest reported naked-eye sighting of
the new crescent moon in the United Kingdom was made from the Morden area in Surrey on June 4th. There were also binocular
assisted sightings from Worthing in West Sussex, Guisborough in North Yorkshire and Union Hall, West Cork in Ireland that day.
More sightings were reported on June 5th as the visibility of the Moon had become much easier by then.
On a personal note, observations of this crescent moon were attempted without success on June 4th due to poor weather but
successfully on the following night.
Our thanks to all those who submitted their observations.
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| Global Observation Distribution for 2008 July 03 New Moon: |
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A total of 84 observations were submitted during late July. The map below shows the global distribution of observers denoted by
the red dots. Contributing countries included Australia, Japan, Mauritius, Iran, Serbia, Italy, Belgium, France, the United
Kingdom, Ireland, Morocco and the United States. Observations came from longitudes as far east as Melbourne in Australia and
from as far west as Burlington, Washington State in the United States. Edinburgh in Midlothian, Scotland was the most northerly
latitude at which an observation was made and Melbourne in Australia was the most southerly.
Just over 38% of these observations were positive ones, including one observer who made observations over five nights and four
observers who made observations over four nights. Three sightings were made on July 3rd. Our earliest reported sighting of new
crescent moon this month was made with the aid of binoculars from south of Heidarabad in the north west of Iran. Unfortunately,
the data for the sighting are incomplete. The next was a telescopic sighting from Belgrade in Serbia by a first time observer
and the third was a well-documented telescopic sighting from Union Hall in Ireland. It is interesting to note that all three
of these sightings are east of the predicted limit for optically-assisted sightings with the current model. Despite a number
of attempts to sight the new crescent moon with the naked eye from the United Kingdom, Europe and the United States, no other
positive sightings were reported for July 3rd. The earliest naked-eye sighting was made from Port Louis in Mauritius on
July 4th followed by sightings in Italy and the United States on the same day. |
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| UK Observation Distribution for 2008 July 03 New Moon: |
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The map to the left shows the distribution of UK-based observers denoted by the red dots. The United Kingdom provided just under
67% of the observations for this month of which 25% were positive ones. Our earliest reported naked-eye sighting of the new
crescent moon in the United Kingdom was made from Deal in Kent on July 5th. There were also naked-eye sightings from Dorking in
Surrey, Guisborough in Cleveland, York in North Yorkshire, Somersham in Huntingdonshire and Charnock Richard in Lancashire on
the same day.
On a personal note, observations of this crescent moon were attempted without success due to poor weather conditions.
Our thanks to all those who submitted their observations.
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| Global Observation Distribution for 2008 August 01 New Moon: |
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A total of 71 observations were submitted during the first half of August. The map below shows the global distribution of
observers denoted by the red dots. Contributing countries included Japan, Mauritius, Montenegro, Italy, Belgium, France,
Algeria, the United Kingdom, Spain and the United States. Observations came from longitudes as far east as Tokyo in Japan
and from as far west as Hayward, California in the United States. Linlithgow in West Lothian, Scotland was the most northerly
latitude at which an observation was made and Port Louis in Mauritius was the most southerly.
Just under 37% of these observations were positive ones, including one observer who made observations over six nights and
another who made observations over nine nights! Our earliest reported sighting of the new crescent moon this month was
made with the naked eye from the New Haven area of Connecticut in the United States on August 1st. It is interesting to note
that this sighting is well to the east of the predicted limit for any type of sighting and also the Danjon limit with our
current model. Despite a number of attempts to sight the new crescent moon, no other positive sightings were reported for
August 1st. The next earliest sighting was made with binoculars and the naked eye from Port Louis in Mauritius on August 2nd
followed by a similar one from Algeria and further naked-eye sightings from the United States on the same day. |
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| UK Observation Distribution for 2008 August 01 New Moon: |
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The map to the left shows the distribution of UK-based observers denoted by the red dots. The United Kingdom provided just under
54% of the observations for this month of which only 13% were positive ones. Our earliest reported naked-eye sighting of the new
crescent moon in the United Kingdom was made from Plymouth in Devon on August 3rd followed by one at Gunwalloe, near Helston in
Cornwall a few minutes later.
On a personal note, observations of this crescent moon were attempted without success due to poor weather conditions.
Our thanks to all those who submitted their observations.
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| Global Observation Distribution for 2008 August 30 New Moon: |
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A total of 85 observations were submitted during early September. The map below shows the global distribution of observers
denoted by the red dots. Contributing countries included Australia, Japan, Philippines, Indonesia, India, Oman, Mauritius,
Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Azerbaijan, Jordan, Poland, Italy, Germany, Algeria, Belgium, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Mexico, Canada
and the United States. Observations came from longitudes as far east as Sydney in Australia and from as far west as Hayward,
California in the United States. Edinburgh in West Lothian, Scotland was the most northerly latitude at which an observation
was made and Melbourne in Australia was the most southerly.
Just under 25% of these observations were positive ones, including one observer who made observations over four nights and
another who made seven observations over two nights. Our earliest reported sighting of the new crescent moon this month was
made with a telescope from Jakarta in Indonesia on August 31st. It is interesting to note that this sighting is well to the
east of the predicted limit for any type of sighting and also the Danjon limit with our current model. Despite a number of
attempts to sight the new crescent moon, no other positive sightings were reported for August 31st. A naked-eye sighting
was also made from Mexico City in Mexico in clear skies on the same day. |
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The above photograph of the new crescent moon was taken by Doug Grandt on 2008 September 1st at approximately
19:55 PDT overlooking the San Mateo bridge and San Francisco Bay in California. Venus can be seen close to the
top right of the image. The photograph below was taken by Jack Hassler on the same evening at 20:07 PDT from
Soquel at the north end of Monterey Bay in California. Again, Venus can be seen in the top centre of the image.
The planets Mars and Mercury were also within 5° of the new crescent moon that evening. Indeed, Mercury
can be seen on the original image. |
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| UK Observation Distribution for 2008 August 30 New Moon: |
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The map to the left shows the distribution of UK-based observers denoted by the red dots. The United Kingdom provided just over
47% of the observations for this month of which just under 8% were positive ones. Our earliest reported naked-eye sighting of
the new crescent moon in the United Kingdom was made from the Southend-on-Sea area of Essex on September 3rd. It is interesting
to note that the Moon was sighted with the aid of binoculars earlier that day in the early afternoon from Somersham in
Huntingdonshire.
On a personal note, observations of this crescent moon were attempted without success due to poor weather conditions.
Our thanks to all those who submitted their observations.
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| Global Observation Distribution for 2008 September 29 New Moon: |
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A total of 96 observations were submitted during early October. The map below shows the global distribution of observers
denoted by the red dots. Contributing countries included New Zealand, Japan, India, Pakistan, Oman, Iraq, Saudi Arabia,
South Africa, Italy, Germany, Sweden, Algeria, France, Belgium, the United Kingdom, Venezuela, the United States and Canada.
Observations came from longitudes as far east as Wellington in New Zealand and from as far west as Hayward, California in
the United States. Inverness in Highland, Scotland was the most northerly latitude at which an observation was made and
Wellington in New Zealand was the most southerly.
Just over 26% of these observations were positive ones, including two observers who made observations over four nights
and two more who made observations over five nights. Two reported sightings, one from Baghdad in Iraq and one from Muscat
in Oman on September 29th took place shortly after local moon set when the Moon was approximately 6 hours old. Our earliest
reported sighting of the new crescent moon this month was made with the naked eye from Krugersdorp in South Africa on
September 30th. It is interesting to note that two other sightings were reported from Naples in Italy and Manchester in the
United Kingdom on the same day which lie beyond the predicted limit for any type of sighting and also beyond the Danjon
limit with our current model. |
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| UK Observation Distribution for 2008 September 29 New Moon: |
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The map to the left shows the distribution of UK-based observers denoted by the red dots. The United Kingdom provided just over
56% of the observations for this month of which just over 18% were positive ones. Our earliest reported binocular / naked eye
sighting of the new crescent moon in the United Kingdom was made from Somersham in Huntingdonshire on October 2nd. It is interesting
to note that the Moon was sighted with the naked eye only the following day from the Lancing area of West Sussex.
On a personal note, observations of this crescent moon were attempted without success due to poor weather conditions.
Our thanks to all those who submitted their observations.
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| Global Observation Distribution for 2008 October 28 New Moon: |
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A total of 69 observations were submitted during early November. The map below shows the global distribution of observers
denoted by the red dots. Contributing countries included Japan, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Oman, Mauritius, Italy,
the Netherlands, Belgium, the United Kingdom, Ireland, the United States and Canada. Observations came from longitudes as
far east as Tokyo in Japan and from as far west as San Pablo, California in the United States. Forres in Morayshire,
Scotland was the most northerly latitude at which an observation was made and Port Louis in Mauritius was the most
southerly.
Just over 33% of these observations were positive ones, including three observers who made observations over four nights
and one who made observations over five nights. Our earliest reported sighting of the new crescent moon this month was made
with the naked eye from Colombo in Sri Lanka on October 30th. Naked-eye sightings were also reported from Muscat in Oman and
Rio Rico, Arizona in the United States on the same day. |
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| UK Observation Distribution for 2008 October 28 New Moon: |
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The map to the left shows the distribution of UK-based observers denoted by the red dots. The United Kingdom provided just under
54% of the observations for this month of which just over 24% were positive ones. Our earliest reported binocular sighting of
the new crescent moon in the United Kingdom was made from Somersham in Huntingdonshire on October 31st followed half an hour later
by a similar observation at Helston in Cornwall. It is interesting to note that the Moon was sighted with the naked eye the
following day from Charnock Richard in Lancashire.
On a personal note, observations of this crescent moon were attempted without success due to poor weather conditions.
Our thanks to all those who submitted their observations.
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| Global Observation Distribution for 2008 November 27 New Moon: |
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A total of 76 observations were submitted during early December. The map below shows the global distribution of
observers denoted by the red dots. Contributing countries included Japan, South Korea, Pakistan, Mauritius, Sudan,
Jordan, South Africa, Italy, Belgium, France, Nigeria, the United Kingdom, Spain, Ireland, Morocco and the United
States. Observations came from longitudes as far east as Tokyo in Japan and from as far west as Davis, California
in the United States. Inverness in Highland, Scotland was the most northerly latitude at which an observation was
made and Cape Town in South Africa was the most southerly.
Half of the observations were positive ones, including two observers who made observations over four nights and
two more who made observations over five nights. Our earliest reported sighting of the new crescent moon this month
was made with binoculars and the naked eye from Cape Town in South Africa on November 28th. A naked-eye sighting
was also reported from Tucson, Arizona in the United States in clear skies on the same day. |
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| UK Observation Distribution for 2008 November 27 New Moon: |
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The map to the left shows the distribution of UK-based observers denoted by the red dots. The United Kingdom provided just under
58% of the observations for this month of which just under 41% were positive ones. Our earliest reported naked-eye sighting of
the new crescent moon in the United Kingdom was made from Amble in Northumberland on November 30th followed forty minutes later
by a similar observation at Helston in Cornwall.
On a personal note, observations of this crescent moon were attempted without success due to poor weather conditions. However, an
easy sighting was made on 2008 December 1st just before the start of an occultation of Venus by the Moon. The Moon was sighted at
15:30 UT, approximately 10 minutes before Venus was hidden by the Moon. The photograph above was taken at 17:15 UT just as Venus
reappeared across the lunar limb. The photograph below was taken some thirty minutes later. Jupiter can be seen at the top right
of both photographs.
Our thanks to all those who submitted their observations.
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| Global Observation Distribution for 2008 December 27 New Moon: |
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A total of 116 observations were submitted during early January. The map below shows the global distribution of observers
denoted by the red dots. Contributing countries included Japan, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Israel, Poland, Italy,
Algeria, Germany, Nigeria, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, the United Kingdom, Morocco, the United States and Canada.
Observations came from longitudes as far east as Tokyo in Japan and from as far west as Florin, California in the United
States. Inverness in Highland, Scotland was the most northerly latitude at which an observation was made and Port Louis
in Mauritius was the most southerly.
Just under 52% of the observations were positive ones, including three observers who made observations over four nights
and one more who made observations over five nights. Our earliest reported sighting of the new crescent moon this month
was made with binoculars and the naked eye from Port Louis in Mauritius on December 28th followed by another binocular
sighting in Jerusalem, Israel shortly afterwards. A naked-eye sighting was also reported from Bauchi in Nigeria followed
by another sighting at Crows Landing in California in the United States on the same day. |
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| UK Observation Distribution for 2008 December 27 New Moon: |
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The map to the left shows the distribution of UK-based observers denoted by the red dots. The United Kingdom provided just over
54% of the observations for this month of which just under 59% were positive ones. Our earliest reported naked-eye sighting of
the new crescent moon in the United Kingdom was made from St. Andrews in Fife on December 28th followed a few minutes later
by a similar observations from Burton-on-Trent in Staffordshire and Etchingham in East Sussex. It is interesting to note that
all three of these sightings lie just beyond the predicted limit for any type of sighting and also beyond the Danjon limit with
our current model. Naked-eye sightings were also made on December 29th from across the United Kingdom, the earliest of which
was made from Inverness, Highland in Scotland.
On a personal note, observations of this crescent moon were attempted without success due to poor weather conditions until easy
sightings were made on December 29th and December 30th.
Our thanks to all those who submitted their observations.
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| Global Observation Distribution for 2009 January 26 New Moon: |
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A total of 72 observations were submitted during early February. The map below shows the global distribution of observers
denoted by the red dots. Contributing countries included Japan, Mauritius, Israel, Oman, Norway, Italy, Germany, the
Netherlands, Belgium, Algeria, France, United Kingdom, Ireland, the United States and Canada. Observations came from
longitudes as far east as Tokyo in Japan and from as far west as Berkeley, California in the United States. Forres in
Morayshire, Scotland was the most northerly latitude at which an observation was made and Port Louis in Mauritius was
the most southerly.
Just under 60% of the observations were positive ones, including four observers who made observations over four nights.
Our earliest reported sighting of the new crescent moon this month was made with binoculars and the naked eye from Port
Louis in Mauritius on January 27th followed shortly afterwards by a telescope and naked-eye sighting in Muscat in Oman.
A naked-eye sighting was also reported from Jerusalem in Israel followed by others in the United States and Canada on
the same day. |
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| UK Observation Distribution for 2009 January 26 New Moon: |
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The map to the left shows the distribution of UK-based observers denoted by the red dots. The United Kingdom provided just over
51% of the observations for this month of which just over 54% were positive ones. Our earliest reported naked-eye sighting of
the new crescent moon in the United Kingdom was made from Forres in Morayshire on January 28th followed over the next hour or so
by several other naked-eye observations across the United Kingdom.
On a personal note, observations of this crescent moon were attempted without success due to poor weather conditions.
Our thanks to all those who submitted their observations.
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| Global Observation Distribution for 2009 February 25 New Moon: |
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A total of 75 observations were submitted during early March. The map below shows the global distribution of observers
denoted by the red dots. Contributing countries included Japan, Oman, Nigeria, the Netherlands, Belgium, Algeria, France,
United Kingdom, Ireland, the United States and Mexico. Observations came from longitudes as far east as Tokyo in Japan
and from as far west as Berkeley, California in the United States. Ellon in Aberdeenshire, Scotland was the most northerly
latitude at which an observation was made and Bauchi in Nigeria was the most southerly.
Just over 57% of the observations were positive ones, including two observers who made observations over four nights.
Our earliest reported sighting of the new crescent moon this month was made with binoculars from Woonsocket, Rhode Island
in the United States on February 25th. The first naked-eye sighting was reported from Bauchi in Nigeria on February 26th
followed by others made in Algeria, the United Kingdom, Ireland, the United States and Mexico on the same day. |
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| UK Observation Distribution for 2009 February 25 New Moon: |
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The map to the left shows the distribution of UK-based observers denoted by the red dots. The United Kingdom provided just under
58% of the observations for this month of which just over 59% were positive ones. Our earliest reported naked-eye sightings of
the new crescent moon in the United Kingdom were made at the same time from the Malvern area of Worcestershire and Bury in Greater
Manchester on February 26th followed over the next hour or so by several other naked-eye observations across southern England and
Wales.
On a personal note, observations of this crescent moon were attempted without success due to poor weather conditions until a
very easy sighting was made on February 28th.
Our thanks to all those who submitted their observations.
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| Global Observation Distribution for 2009 March 26 New Moon: |
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A total of 104 observations were submitted during late March and early April. The map below shows the global distribution
of observers denoted by the red dots. Contributing countries included Japan, Mauritius, South Africa, Norway, Nigeria, the
Netherlands, Belgium, France, the United Kingdom, Ireland, the United States and Canada. Observations came from longitudes
as far east as Tokyo in Japan and from as far west as Berkeley, California in the United States. Hammerfest in Norway was
the most northerly latitude at which an observation was made and Port Louis in Mauritius was the most southerly.
Just over 73% of the observations were positive ones, including four observers who made observations over four nights.
Our earliest reported sighting of the new crescent moon this month was made with naked eye from Tiverton, Devon in the
United Kingdom on March 26th at 20:00 UT. This seems to be a case of mistaken identity as the time of local moonset was
18:52 UT. The next earliest sighting was made with the naked-eye from Hammerfest in Norway on March 27th followed by others
made in France, the United Kingdom, Ireland and the United States on the same day. |
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| UK Observation Distribution for 2009 March 26 New Moon: |
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The map to the left shows the distribution of UK-based observers denoted by the red dots. The United Kingdom provided just
over 66% of the observations for this month of which just over 81% were positive ones. Excluding the sighting reported from
Tiverton described above, our earliest reported naked-eye sighting of the new crescent moon in the United Kingdom was made
from Kettering in Northamptonshire on March 27th at 17:13 UT. As the Sun was still 10 degrees above the horizon, it seems
rather unlikely that the crescent would have been visible in full daylight. A sighting was made using binoculars from
Stoke-on-Trent at local sunset followed half an hour later by a naked eye sighting made from Nottingham along with several
other observations from across the United Kingdom a few minutes later.
On a personal note, observations of this crescent moon were attempted without success due to poor weather conditions on
March 26th. However, sightings were made successfully over the next three nights.
Our thanks to all those who submitted their observations.
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| Global Observation Distribution for 2009 April 25 New Moon: |
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A total of 107 observations were submitted during late April and early May. The map below shows the global distribution
of observers denoted by the red dots. Contributing countries included Japan, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, United Arab Emirates,
Poland, Switzerland, The Netherlands, Belgium, France, the United Kingdom, Guyana, the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Observations came from longitudes as far east as Tokyo in Japan and from as far west as Burlington, Washington State in
the United States. Inverness, Highland in Scotland was the most northerly latitude at which an observation was made and
Port Louis in Mauritius was the most southerly.
Just over 64% of the observations were positive ones, including one observer who made observations over five nights and
one over four nights. Our earliest reported sighting of the new crescent moon this month was made telescopically from
Thirsk, North Yorkshire in the United Kingdom on April 25th at 20:10 UT. The next earliest sighting was made with the
naked-eye from Orange, Connecticut in the United States later the same day followed by two more sightings in the United
States from Between in Georgia and Burlington in Washington State. |
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| UK Observation Distribution for 2009 April 25 New Moon: |
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The map to the left shows the distribution of UK-based observers denoted by the red dots. The United Kingdom provided just
over 55% of the observations for this month of which just over 61% were positive ones. Our earliest reported sighting in
the United Kingdom was made telescopically from Thirsk as described above. The first naked-eye sighting of the new crescent
moon was made from Sittingbourne in Kent at 19:08 UT at around sunset. Just over a dozen positive sightings were in the hour
following this observation from across the United Kingdom.
On a personal note, observations of this crescent moon were attempted without success due to poor weather conditions.
Our thanks to all those who submitted their observations.
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| Global Observation Distribution for 2009 May 24 New Moon: |
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A total of 93 observations were submitted during late May and early June. The map below shows the global distribution
of observers denoted by the red dots. Contributing countries included Japan, Sri Lanka, Oman, Mauritius, United Arab
Emirates, Jordan, Poland, Italy, Nigeria, Switzerland, The Netherlands, Algeria, Belgium, France, United Kingdom,
Ireland, Guyana, United States and Canada. Observations came from longitudes as far east as Tokyo in Japan and from as
far west as Burlington, Washington State in the United States. Inverness, Highland in Scotland was the most northerly
latitude at which an observation was made and Port Louis in Mauritius was the most southerly.
Some 57% of the observations were positive ones, including two observers who made observations over four nights.
No positive sightings were sent in for 2009 May 24th. Our earliest reported sighting of the new crescent moon this month
was made with naked eye from Ruwais, Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates followed shortly afterwards by a sighting in
Muscat in Oman. Sightings were also made the same day from Jordan, Algeria, Italy, Switzerland, the United Kingdom,
Ireland, Guyana, the United States and Canada. |
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| UK Observation Distribution for 2009 May 24 New Moon: |
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The map to the left shows the distribution of UK-based observers denoted by the red dots. The United Kingdom provided just
under 55% of the observations for this month of which just over 61% were positive ones. Our earliest reported naked-eye
sighting of the new crescent moon in the United Kingdom was made from the Aberporth area of Cardiganshire in North Wales on
May 25th at 21:18 UT.
On a personal note, observations of this crescent moon were attempted without success on May 24th and May 25th due to poor
weather conditions and successfully on May 26th.
Our thanks to all those who submitted their observations.
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| Global Observation Distribution for 2009 June 22 New Moon: |
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A total of 95 observations were submitted during late June and early July. The map below shows the global distribution
of observers denoted by the red dots. Contributing countries and regions included Japan, Australia, Sri Lanka, Poland, Nigeria,
Germany, The Netherlands, Algeria, Belgium, France, United Kingdom, United States, Canada and the mid-Pacific Ocean
area. Observations came from longitudes as far east as Tokyo in Japan and from as far west as the mid-Pacific Ocean
area, south west of the Hawaiian Islands. Inverness, Highland in Scotland was the most northerly latitude at which an
observation was made and Perth in Western Australia was the most southerly.
Our special thanks go to Roz Savage who made several observations over three nights while on the second of three legs
of her attempt to row solo across the Pacific Ocean from the United States to
Australia. She left the Hawaiian Islands on May 24th 2009 heading for Tuvalu onboard her craft the "Brocade". My thanks
to Doug Grandt for his assistance with her observations.
Just under 50% of the observations were positive ones, including several observers who made observations over three
nights. Our earliest reported sighting of the new crescent moon this month was made with naked eye from Craigavon,
County Antrim in Northern Ireland at 21:20 UT on June 22nd. At the time of this sighting, the age of the Moon was
1.75 hours and the Moon itself was on the horizon raising the possibility that a misidentification may have been made.
The next earliest sighting was made from Gunwalloe Cliffs, Mullion in Cornwall in the United Kingdom on June 23rd at
21:07 UT followed a few minutes later by an observation from Dorking in Surrey. Two observations were also reported
from the United States later the same day. |
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| UK Observation Distribution for 2009 June 22 New Moon: |
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The map to the left shows the distribution of UK-based observers denoted by the red dots. The United Kingdom provided just
under 57% of the observations for this month of which just over 57% were positive ones. Excluding the sighting from Northern
Ireland on June 22nd, our earliest reported naked-eye sighting of the new crescent moon in the United Kingdom was made from
Cornwall followed by one from Surrey as described above. Many sightings were also made on June 24th from across the United
Kingdom.
On a personal note, observations of this crescent moon were attempted without success on June 22nd and June 23rd due to poor
weather and successfully on June 24th.
Our thanks to all those who submitted their observations.
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| Global Observation Distribution for 2009 July 22 New Moon: |
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A total of 33 observations were submitted during late July and early August. The map below shows the global distribution
of observers denoted by the red dots. Contributing countries and regions included Australia, Japan, India, Oman, United Arab Emirates,
Italy, Nigeria, United Kingdom, United States, Canada and the mid-Pacific Ocean area. Observations came from longitudes
as far east as Canberra in Australia and from as far west as the mid-Pacific Ocean area, about 250 miles north west of
Howland Island. Malvern, Worcestershire in England was the most northerly latitude at which an observation was made and
Canberra in Australia was the most southerly.
Our special thanks go to Roz Savage who made several observations over four nights while on the second of three legs
of her attempt to row solo across the Pacific Ocean from the United States to
Australia.
Just over 39% of the observations were positive ones, including one observer who attempted observations over four nights.
Our earliest reported sighting of the new crescent moon this month was made with naked eye from Guwahati, Assam in India
on July 23rd. No other positive sightings were reported for that day. |
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| UK Observation Distribution for 2009 July 22 New Moon: |
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The map to the left shows the distribution of UK-based observers denoted by the red dots. The United Kingdom provided just
over 24% of the observations for this month of which just under 38% were positive ones. Our earliest reported sighting of
the new crescent moon in the United Kingdom was made with binoculars from Worthing in West Sussex followed a few minutes
later by one made with the naked eye from Exeter in Devon.
On a personal note, observations of this crescent moon were attempted without success on July 22nd, July 23rd and July 24th en route from China to the United Kingdom after an unsuccessful attempt to see the total eclipse of the Sun on July 21st/22nd in Shanghai.
Our thanks to all those who submitted their observations.
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| Global Observation Distribution for 2009 August 20 New Moon: |
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A total of 81 observations were submitted during late August and early September. The map below shows the global distribution
of observers denoted by the red dots. Contributing countries and regions included the Mid-Pacific Ocean, Brunei, Malaysia,
India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Oman, Mauritius, Kenya, South Africa, Bosnia & Hercegovina, Switzerland, The Netherlands, Belgium,
Algeria, France, United Kingdom, United States, El Salvador and Canada. Observations came from longitudes as far east as the
mid-Pacific Ocean region, approximately 300 miles west of Howland Island and from as far west as Marin County, California in
the United States. Edinburgh in Scotland was the most northerly latitude at which an observation was made and Hogsback in the
Eastern Cape province of South Africa was the most southerly.
Once again, our thanks go to Roz Savage who made a successful observation while on the second of three legs of her attempt to
row solo across the Pacific Ocean from the United States to Australia.
Just over 33% of the observations were positive ones, including one observer who attempted observations over five nights and
three others who made observations over four nights. Our earliest reported sighting of the new crescent moon this month was
made with naked eye by Roz Savage from a location west of Howland Island on August 21st. Positive sightings were also reported from
Galle in Sri Lanka, Port Louis in Mauritius, Hogsback in South Africa and Benisgeun in Algeria later that day in addition to
a telescopic observation from Adam in Oman. |
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| UK Observation Distribution for 2009 August 20 New Moon: |
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The map to the left shows the distribution of UK-based observers denoted by the red dots. The United Kingdom
provided just over 38% of the observations for this month of which 29% were positive ones. Our earliest reported
sighting of the new crescent moon in the United Kingdom was made with binoculars from Somersham, Huntingdonshire
on August 22nd. The earliest naked eye sighting in the United Kingdom was made from Ottery St. Mary, Devon on
August 24th.
On a personal note, observations of this crescent moon were attempted without success on August 20th to
August 24th inclusive due to poor weather conditions.
The photograph above was taken at the Bournemouth Airshow in Dorset on August 23rd 2009. Our thanks go to Mike
Bryant for this unusual photograph. The aircraft featured is a Curtiss P-40M Kittyhawk (G-KITT) operated by the
Hangar 11 Collection at North Weald in Essex with the 3-day old crescent
Moon at the bottom right.
Our thanks to all those who submitted their observations.
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| Global Observation Distribution for 2009 September 18 New Moon: |
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A total of 48 observations were submitted during late September and early October. The map below shows the global distribution
of observers denoted by the red dots. Contributing countries included Pakistan, Mauritius, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Jordan, Saudi
Arabia, South Africa, Denmark, Switzerland, The Netherlands, Nigeria, United Kingdom, Senegal, United States and Columbia.
Observations came from longitudes as far east as Karachi in Pakistan and from as far west as Hayward, California in the United
States. Edinburgh in Scotland was the most northerly latitude at which an observation was made and Hogsback in the Eastern Cape
province of South Africa was the most southerly.
Just over 29% of the observations were positive ones, including two observers who attempted observations over four nights and
one who made observations over three nights. Our earliest reported sighting of the new crescent moon this month was made with
binoculars from Port Louis in Mauritius on September 19th followed shortly afterwards by a naked-eye sighting from Hogsback in
South Africa. A sighting was also reported from Al Dammam in Saudi Arabia on September 19th. However, it would appear that this
was a misidentification as the Moon was below the horizon at the reported time of observation. Later that same day, another
naked-eye sighting was made from Bogota in Colombia.
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| UK Observation Distribution for 2009 September 18 New Moon: |
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The map to the left shows the distribution of UK-based observers denoted by the red dots. The United Kingdom provided just
under 44% of the observations for this month of which just less than 10% were positive ones. Our earliest reported sighting of
the new crescent moon in the United Kingdom was made with the naked eye from Ash Priors in Somerset on September 21st.
Indeed, this is the only report of a positive sighting of the new crescent moon this month.
On a personal note, observations of this crescent moon were attempted without success on September 19th, 20th and 22nd due
to poor weather. However, a positive sighting was made at 19:05 BST on September 21st from Ash Priors in Somerset. The Sun
was almost exactly due west at an altitude of nearly 1° above the horizon and masked by cloud. The 4-day old Moon was easily
visible, being 11% illuminated, at an altitude of just over 4°, nearly 40° to the left of the setting Sun.
Our thanks to all those who submitted their observations.
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| Global Observation Distribution for 2009 October 18 New Moon: |
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A total of 38 observations were submitted during late October and early November. The map below shows the global distribution
of observers denoted by the red dots. Contributing countries included Mauritius, Oman, South Africa, Switzerland, The
Netherlands, the Canary Islands, the United Kingdom, Canada, Uruguay and the United States. Observations came from longitudes
as far east as Port Louis in Mauritius and from as far west as Hayward, California in the United States. Ord on the Isle of
Skye in Scotland was the most northerly latitude at which an observation was made and Hogsback in the Eastern Cape province of
South Africa was the most southerly.
Just over 34% of the observations were positive ones, including one observer who attempted observations over six nights and
two who made observations over three nights. Our earliest reported sighting of the new crescent moon this month was made with
a telescope from Sohar in Oman on October 19th followed about half an hour later by a naked-eye sighting from Port Louis in
Mauritius. Sightings were also reported from Hogsback in South Africa, Rocha in Uruguay and Blacksburg, Virginia in the United
States later that day.
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| UK Observation Distribution for 2009 October 18 New Moon: |
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The map to the left shows the distribution of UK-based observers denoted by the red dots. The United Kingdom provided
just under 40% of the observations for this month of which 20% were positive ones. Our earliest reported sighting of
the new crescent moon in the United Kingdom was made with the naked eye from Beccles in Suffolk on October 22nd.
On a personal note, observations of this crescent moon were attempted without success due to poor weather.
Our thanks to all those who submitted their observations.
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| Global Observation Distribution for 2009 November 16 New Moon: |
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A total of 44 observations were submitted during late November and early December. The map below shows the global distribution
of observers denoted by the red dots. Contributing countries included Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Kenya, South Africa, Switzerland,
The Netherlands, Nigeria, the United Kingdom, Morocco, Canada and the United States. Observations came from longitudes as far
east as Colombo in Sri Lanka and from as far west as Hayward, California in the United States. Edinburgh in Scotland was the
most northerly latitude at which an observation was made and Hogsback in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa was the most
southerly.
Just under 57% of the observations were positive ones, including two observers who attempted observations over four nights and
two who made observations over three nights. Our earliest reported sighting of the new crescent moon this month was made with
the naked eye from Marrakesh im Morocco on November 17th. However, it would appear that this was a misidentification as the
Moon was just below the horizon at the reported time of observation. Excluding the Marrakesh sighting, the first naked-eye
sighting was made from Colombo in Sri Lanka on November 18th followed by sightings from Lamu in Kenya and three more from the
United States, namely, Odessa in Texas and Morro Bay and Hayward in California.
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| UK Observation Distribution for 2009 November 16 New Moon: |
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The map to the left shows the distribution of UK-based observers denoted by the red dots. The United Kingdom provided 50% of
the observations for this month of which just over 68% were positive ones. Our earliest reported sighting of the new crescent
moon in the United Kingdom was made with the naked eye from Ottery St. Mary in Devon on November 19th followed a minute
later from Southend-on-Sea in Essex.
On a personal note, observations of this crescent moon were attempted without success until November 20th.
Our thanks to all those who submitted their observations.
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| Global Observation Distribution for 2009 December 16 New Moon: |
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A total of 53 observations were submitted during late December and early January. The map below shows the global distribution
of observers denoted by the red dots. Contributing countries included Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Pakistan, Jordan, Egypt, South Africa,
The Netherlands, Nigeria, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada and the United States. Observations came from longitudes as far east
as Colombo in Sri Lanka and from as far west as Tucson, Arizona in the United States. Ord on the Isle of Skye in Scotland was the
most northerly latitude at which an observation was made and Hogsback in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa was the most
southerly.
Just under 57% of the observations were positive ones, including one observer who attempted observations over seven nights and
four who made observations over three nights. Our earliest reported sighting of the new crescent moon this month was made with
a combination of binoculars and the naked eye from Port Louis in Mauritius on December 17th. The first purely naked-eye sighting
came from Blacksburg, Virginia in the United States later the same day. Other sightings on December 17th came from Odessa in
Texas and Grand Junction in Colorado in the United States..
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| UK Observation Distribution for 2009 December 16 New Moon: |
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The map to the left shows the distribution of UK-based observers denoted by the red dots. The United Kingdom provided just
under 45% of the observations for this month of which just less than 10% were positive ones. Our earliest reported sighting of
the new crescent moon in the United Kingdom was made with the naked eye from Clipston-on-the-Wolds in Nottinghamshire on
December 18th.
On a personal note, observations of this crescent moon were attempted without success until December 20th.
Our thanks to all those who submitted their observations.
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| Global Observation Distribution for 2010 January 15 New Moon: |
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A total of 56 observations were submitted during late January. The map below shows the global distribution of observers denoted
by the red dots. Contributing countries included China, Mauritius, Jordan, Israel, The Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Jamaica,
the United States and Canada. Observations came from longitudes as far east as Macau in China and from as far west as Coaldale,
Alberta in Canada. Ellon, Aberdeenshire in Scotland was the most northerly latitude at which an observation was made and Port
Louis in Mauritius was the most southerly.
Just under 63% of the observations were positive ones, including one observer who attempted observations over four nights and
three who made observations over three nights. Our earliest reported sighting of the new crescent moon this month was made with
the naked eye from Lijiang in China on January 15th.
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| UK Observation Distribution for 2010 January 15 New Moon: |
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The map to the left shows the distribution of UK-based observers denoted by the red dots. The United Kingdom provided over
66% of the observations for this month of which just over 62% were positive ones. Our earliest reported sighting of the new
crescent moon in the United Kingdom was made with binoculars from Gunwalloe Cliffs, Mullion in Cornwall on January 16th.
The earliest purely naked-eye sighting came from Nottingham just over an hour later on the same day.
On a personal note, observations of this crescent moon were attempted without success due poor weather.
Our thanks to all those who submitted their observations.
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