DDHK. ORG – Observation of the new moon is a hot topic every time it approaches Ramadan or Shawwal. As a rukyat, of course a tool to do rukyatul hilal is needed. If you want to observe the new moon directly, there are at least four tools that must be prepared.
Republika citing the book Hisab and Rukyat written by Riza Arfian Mustaqim, the tools that can be used to support the rukyatul hilal process or hilal observation are as follows.
- Location goal
In this observation, the location gate is a special tool as a view limit so that it is focused on the position where the new moon is. This tool does not use a lens. Usually this tool is placed on the cardinal directions determined before the rukyatul hilal, with careful and thorough determination and referring to the results of reckoning the position of the hilal.
- Binoculars
This tool that can be held with both hands has a function to detect celestial objects that are far from the observation location. Binoculars adopt lenses and prisms that serve to clarify the observed object. So that in detecting the new moon this tool is quite helpful in clarifying and enlarging new moon objects.
- Theodolite
Theodolite is one of the modern hilal rukyatul tools because it is able to measure azimuth angles and altitude more accurately than other tools, such as a compass and Rubu' al-Mujayyab. Theodolite is equipped with digital angle gauges and sighting scopes which are quite accurate in determining the position and position of the new moon during sightings.
- Telescope
The telescope is a very modern tool for carrying out rukyatul hilal, with lenses and telescope mirrors capable of collecting more light compared to the other equipment above. Currently there are many types of telescopes with very diverse advantages and specifications.
In addition to these equipments, to improve and support the rukyatul hilal or hilal observation, you can use an altimeter, GPS (global positioning system), digital clock, calculator, compass, computer, water pass, and others. These tools function as supporting components for the implementation of rukyatul hilal. [DDHK News]
