Afkaruna: Indonesian Interdisciplinary Journal of Islamic Studies
Vol. 21 No. 1: June 2025

History of Location Objectives (Hilal Tracker): Development of Astronomical Observations from 2015-Present

Marataon Ritonga (Unknown)
Hasibuan, Alya Fathi Muhammad (Unknown)
Rizqan Arya Perdana Nazara (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 Jun 2025

Abstract

This study examined the development of Hilal Tracker as a system for determining the location of hilal observations that has been developed since 2015 until now. This system emerged from the need for an accurate, efficient, and documented way to find the best place to see the Hilal, which is an important factor in determining the beginning of the month in the Hijri calendar. This article explains the history of the development of hilal Tracker technology and methods, including integrating astronomical data, using satellite imagery, algorithms for predicting hilal visibility, and cooperation with various local and international institutions. With a historical qualitative approach and chronological documentation, this paper examined the changes in innovation from the early phase to the modern stage. The findings showed that Hilal Tracker has improved the accuracy of rukyat location selection, strengthened the global hilal visibility database, and supported the alignment of hisab and rukyat methodologies in some Islamic countries. In addition, this system functions as a link between classical Islamic astronomy and modern technology through an open approach and academic collaboration. Therefore, Hilal Tracker is not just a technical device, but also a means of education and diplomacy in creating a unified Hijri calendar worldwide with an observational approach. This study recommends further development of local weather forecasting aspects and artificial intelligence to improve location efficiency in the future.

Copyrights © 2025






Journal Info

Abbrev

afkaruna

Publisher

Subject

Education

Description

Jurnal Afkaruna is an Indonesian bilingual journal published by the Faculty of Islamic Studies, Muhammadiyah University of Yogyakarta. The journal publishes empirically grounded and multidisciplinary work on Islam and its related issues, spanning the history, Quranic studies, Exegesis, tradition, ...