Families in Penang witness Syawal moon sighting, learning how science and faith determine Hari Raya Aidilfitri

BALIK PULAU: The quiet hills here came alive with quiet anticipation this evening as families and young visitors gathered at the Sheikh Tahir Astronomy Centre, eyes trained on the evening sky in the hopes of spotting the Syawal crescent moon, the celestial marker that signals the end of Ramadan and the arrival of Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

For many of the children and teenagers present, the experience went beyond tradition. It became a rare, hands-on lesson in patience, precision and the delicate meeting point between science and faith.

Muhd Faizzudin, 17, who attended with his parents, said it was fascinating to watch astronomers at work tracking the elusive crescent.

“Watching the moon being tracked made me realise how meticulous and patient astronomers must be. It is not just about calculations, it is about understanding the universe while respecting a centuries-old tradition.

“Experiencing it firsthand made me appreciate how science and faith complement each other.”

Farhan Rusaimi, 16, was equally struck by the technical depth behind the sighting.
“The representatives explained how mathematical predictions and actual sightings work together. I never realised how much coordination and accuracy go into it.
“Before, we just waited for the official announcement, but in reality, it is much more complex.”

For younger children, the experience proved just as memorable. Ten-year-old Aisyah said she had not realised how challenging it was to spot the moon.

“You have to wait for the right moment and the astronomers have to be super precise.
“Using the telescope to see the moon up close was really cool. It makes you feel like you are part of something important.”

Parents also welcomed the opportunity to witness the process up close.
Nurul Hidayah Mohammad Tahir, 42, who brought her two children, said the observation offered lessons that went beyond the classroom.

“It is one thing to teach children about tradition in school, but to see the science, care and patience involved makes it real.

“They left curious and inspired, and I think that is the best kind of learning.”

The observation, conducted by a team from the Penang Mufti Office and the Survey and Mapping Department alongside astronomers at the centre, followed strict guidelines.

Earlier, officials from the Penang Mufti Office confirmed that the crescent was not visible in Penang.

Separately, Keeper of the Rulers’ Seal Tan Sri Syed Danial Syed Ahmad announced that Hari Raya Aidilfitri will fall on tomorrow, marking the completion of the 30-day Ramadan month and the beginning of Syawal.

 The Sun Malaysia