Al-Hilal: Journal of Islamic Astronomy
Vol. 7 No. 1 (2025)

Evaluating the Feasibility of Yanbu’ul Qur’an Observatory in Menawan Kudus for Lunar Crescent Observation

Iqbal, Muhammad Maulana (Unknown)
Habib, Muhammad Akmal (Unknown)
Ramdhani, Fajri Zulia (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
21 Apr 2024

Abstract

The Yanbu’ul Qur’an Observatory in Menawan Kudus, Indonesia, functions as a site for crescent moon (rukyat al-hilāl) observations and Islamic astronomy education. Despite conducting various observation activities, successful hilāl sighting has only occurred during Zulhijjah 1443 H, primarily due to light pollution, limited horizon clarity, and low contrast between the moon and the horizon. This field study analyzes primary data on observatory infrastructure, horizon conditions, sky brightness, and climatological factors, along with secondary data from observation records (2022–2023). The findings indicate two key points: (1) the observatory significantly supports astronomy education at the Yanbu’ul Qur’an Islamic Boarding School, and (2) it is moderately feasible for hilāl observation based on parameters from the Indonesian Agency for Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics (BMKG), including favorable westward orientation, minimal obstructions, elevated location, low light pollution, and reliable electricity and internet access.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

al-hilal

Publisher

Subject

Religion Astronomy Earth & Planetary Sciences Physics Social Sciences

Description

Al-Hilal Journal is a scientific journal published in April and October per year by the Islamic Astronomy at the Faculty of Sharia and Law, Universitas Islam Negeri (UIN) Walisongo, Semarang colaboration with Asosisasi Dosen Falak Indonesia (ADFI). Articles published in this journal are the results ...