Astroislamica: Journal of Islamic Astronomy
Vol. 4 No. 2 (2025): Astroislamica: Journal of Islamic Astronomy (Desember)

A Comparative Study of Lunar Eclipse Calculation Astronomical Algorithm Jean Meeus and Textbook On Spherical Astronomy W.M Smart

Nur Fajriani Zar'ah (Universitas Islam Negeri Walisongo Semarang)
Lalu Adam Prayogi (Universitas Islam Negeri Mataram)



Article Info

Publish Date
31 Dec 2025

Abstract

This research presents a comparative analysis of the lunar eclipse calculation method proposed by Jean Meeus in his textbook Astronomical Algorithms and the classical method described by W.M. Smart in his textbook Textbook on Spherical Astronomy. Lunar eclipses are celestial phenomena that can be accurately predicted using certain astronomical techniques. This research aims to evaluate the differences between modern and classical approaches in the calculation process. This research employs empirical data collection and comparison of calculation results on several lunar eclipses to evaluate the accuracy of both methods in predicting the time, duration, and phase of the eclipse. The findings are then compared with the results from NASA. This research is of the library research variety. The sources and types of data employed in this study include astronomical algorithm books and textbooks on spherical astronomy, as well as journal articles that align with the research theme. The data analysis employed by the researchers is a content analysis of the two books, then described with descriptive and comparative techniques. The principal findings of this study indicate that the two books exhibit discrepancies ranging from 3'50' to 19'18'. In comparison, the divergence with NASA results is 0'5.2', 0'10', 3'44.8', and 19'48' more rapid.

Copyrights © 2025






Journal Info

Abbrev

ASTROISLAMICA

Publisher

Subject

Religion Astronomy

Description

Astroislamica: Journal of Islamic Astronomy is a journal that studies Islamic astronomy and Islamic laws related to astronomy. Astroislamica focuses on Islamic astronomy topics such as Qibla direction, prayer times, calendars, and eclipses through multiple perspectives, including Islamic law, ...