Eid Al Fitr 2024 anticipated to commence on April 10, International Astronomical Center says

The International Astronomical Center has indicated that the celebration of Eid Al Fitr for the year 2024 is expected to begin on April 10.

The Emirates Astronomical Society in the UAE also supports this forecast.

Eid Al Fitr follows the end of Ramadan, a month-long fasting period observed by Muslims globally, and is marked by the sighting of a new crescent moon. 

According to the International Astronomical Center, countries that observed the start of Ramadan on March 11 may see the crescent moon on April 8.

However, this sighting might be challenging due to the moon setting before the sun, which leads to a conjunction occurring after sunset.

In contrast, countries that commenced Ramadan on March 12 are more likely to see the moon crescent on April 9, as the Center states.

With the visibility of the crescent on this date, it is anticipated that Eid Al Fitr will be announced on April 10 in these nations.

The Emirates Astronomical Society echoes this forecast for the UAE, though final confirmation will depend on the UAE's moon-sighting committee.

The observance of the new moon, which heralds Shawwal, the Islamic calendar's tenth month, coincides this year with a total solar eclipse on April 8 in the UAE.

This event is expected to aid in the visibility of the crescent on April 9, thereby reinforcing the April 10 date for Eid Al Fitr.

Furthermore, over 1,500 volunteers globally will assist in reporting crescent sightings, contributing to the determination of official moon sightings, as reported by the International Astronomical Center.

These observations will be compiled on the Center’s website.

The Director of the International Astronomy Center, Muhammad Shawkat Odeh, stated, "Seeing the crescent is possible with the naked eye from Central Asia and parts of Africa on April 9," adding that telescopes would facilitate sightings from other regions.

However, certain countries, like India and Bangladesh, might observe Eid a day later, on April 11, if their sightings on April 9 are not confirmed.

Source: Newsroom