Moonsighting project brings science and religion together

A new initiative in the United Kingdom is bringing together science and faith by teaching Muslim community leaders the practice of moonsighting, a traditional method used to determine the Islamic calendar, BBC reported. The Moonsighters Academy, described as the first course of its kind in the UK, is training 38 Muslim participants from across the country, including imams, teachers, artists and business owners.

The nine-month course, which began in December, is led by the University of Leeds in partnership with the New Crescent Society and the University of Cambridge. It combines religious practice with modern astronomy, using the University of Leeds’ rooftop observatory and 35-centimetre telescopes to teach participants how to observe the first crescent moon.

Moonsighting has historically been used to mark key Islamic events such as Ramadan and Eid, but many UK mosques rely on sightings from other countries due to weather conditions, often leading to differing dates and community disputes. Project coordinator Imad Ahmed said the aim is to reduce these divisions and encourage local observation.

Dr Emma Alexander, a University of Leeds astronomer and project co-lead, said the programme highlights the strong connection between astronomy and culture, while participants hope it will help unify Muslim communities across Britain.