Eid Moon Sighting Uncertain on March 19

Although the new moon of Shawwal will be born on March 19, the chances of sighting it in the sky of Bangladesh are very low. As a result, Ramadan this year is likely to complete 30 days, according to the lunar position report of the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD).

The report, published on March 9 and signed by Deputy Director Md. Rasheduzzaman of the Climate Division, states that the new moon will be born at 7:23 am on March 19, marking the end of the lunar month.

At the designated moon-sighting time—from 6:18 pm to 6:20 pm—the age of the moon in Bangladesh will be between 0.4 and 0.5 days. Considering the moon’s age, duration, and position, astronomers at the Met Office believe the likelihood of sighting the moon that evening is extremely slim.
According to the report, at sunset on March 19, the lunar date will be the first day (Pratipada), with the moon’s age at 0.4486 days. During twilight, the moon will remain visible for only about 9 seconds.

In contrast, on Friday, March 20, the lunar date will be the second day (Dwitiya), and the moon’s age will be 1.4489 days at sunset. On that day, the moon is expected to remain visible for 1 hour, 3 minutes, and 1 second during twilight.
Based on these factors, astronomers say there is virtually no chance of sighting the moon on March 19. However, if the western sky remains clear, the moon is expected to be visible across the country after sunset on March 20.

Experts at the Bangladesh Meteorological Department regularly prepare such lunar position reports every month. While these reports usually receive little attention, they become particularly important during Ramadan and Eid, assisting the national moon-sighting committee in making official decisions.

DBTech/SH/MUIM