Recurrent Phantom Crescent Sighting in Niger Republic, by Tijjani Umara

Recurrent Phantom Crescent Sighting in Niger Republic, by Tijjani Umara

Phantom limb syndrome is a medical condition in which patients experience sensations, whether painful or otherwise, in a limb that does not exist. This usually follows amputation in 80-90% of amputees.

Sighting a crescent yesterday in Niger republic is nothing but a hoax and the so called moon seen was nothing but a phantom crescent. No one can sight what does not exist.
As at the evening of yesterday, the wanning Ramadan moon set was before sunset, the new Shawwal moon was not “born” at sunset.
And even at the time of “giving birth” of the new moon, there was solar eclipse. This eclipse was recorded in video in countries that experienced it.

We in Nigeria and the rest of Africa didn’t experience the eclipse because the sun had set as at the time the eclipse occured (7:21pm).

Solar eclipse occurs in day time and lunar eclipse in the night.

The time of solar eclipse coincides with the period of absolute invisibilty of the moon. How then can one claim to have sighted the moon in this circumstaces?
Gaskiyar magana, ƙaraya ce.

This is not the first time Niger is declaring positive sighting on a day it is practically impossible to sight the moon.

As at sunset yesterdsy there is no moon above the horizon to sight anywhere in the world.
The same Niger republic declared Eid in may 2021 folllowing a similar scenario.

On wednesday 12th may 2021, Niger republic ceberated Eid following a declaration of sighting on tuesday may 11th 2021.

It is a well known fact that the astronomical new moon of shawwal was going to be after sunset and yet a “super sighter” claimed to have sighted the moon and Eid was declared. That sighting was also a false sighting just as yesterday’s!

Mention can also be made on the fact that the zeal of sighting may make one have a sheer imagination that he has seen the moon.
As it is always said, many sincere muslims have mistaken objects or other planets such as venus, for the moon.
A thin streak of cloud, a jet smoke or sometines a strand of hair stuck to one’s glasses have all be mistaken for the moon.

As far as events in Niger republic are concerned, they are passing through phases in their moon sighting milestones.
Examples of how Nigeria suffered same fate have earlier been given. But our errors have so far significantly reduced because we have a vibrant National Moon sighting committee.
So long as Niger republic continue this way, it will take them a long time to recover.

There is no way any one can see a moon on a day there is solar eclipse, or on a day the conjunction would occur after sunset or on a day the moon will set before sunset.

Yesterday was one such days.
No amount of argument can convince anyone with the most basic knowledge of astronomy that a moon was sighted yesterday anywhere in the world.

It was practically impossible, making it phantom and a clear hoax!!
There is always a refrence to the sighting claim of december 14th 2001 in Nigeria.
In the evening of 14th December 2001, there was a declaration of positive sighting and Eid was celebrated 15th, then solar eclipse occured on Eid day.

That phenomenon demonstrated beyond any matter of doubt that the sighting of the previous evening was false.
It was subsequently astronomically proven that the crescent was sighted 3hrs 43 mins before its astronomical birth.

Remember also that the sightings of Shawwal crescents from 2000-2008 were all before the astronomical new moon.

Someone who does not have the basic knowledge of how a moon should be sought cannot be taking the whole umma for a ride.

Before going westwards to seek the crescent, one must be armed with some basic local facts about the moon and sun.
1. He must know the time of sunset in his locality
2. He must know the time of moonset in his locality
3. He must know whether on that day the moon will set before sunset or not in his locality
These are amongst some of the most basic facts to know before going to seek the moon.

In conclusion, yesterdays sighting in Niger can not be defended anywhere and by any means.
It was only possible if Niger republic has its own separate moon from the rest of the world!!

_Dr Tijjani Umara_
09/04/2024