By Steven Otter and Yunus Kemp
The new crescent moon, which marks the beginning of the Muslim holy month of Ramadaan for hundreds of millions the world over, is expected to be clearly seen from Cape Town today.
The sighting of the new moon tonight with "the naked eye", as prescribed by Islamic practice, means Muslims start fasting from tomorrow from sunrise to sunset for 29 to 30 days.
The Crescent Observers Society of South Africa or maankykers (moonwatchers), as they are referred to by local Muslims, sent members to Three Anchor Bay, Oudekraal, Signal Hill, Soetwater and Stellenbosch to sight the moon last night.
The society's secretary, Faldie Davids, said because the moon was only 10h46min old, the possibility of sighting it was slim and members had failed to see it last night. They would go to the viewing sights again tonight.
"The average sighting time is about 20 hours although we have sighted younger moons. Because the moon-lag - the period after sunset before the moon disappears from the horizon - lasted only 19 minutes, it was difficult to spot," said Davids.
Crucial to the sighting is the position of the sun when it sets tonight. Observers would then look at the invisible arc between Venus and the sunset for the moon.
The society has existed since 1953.
Tonight all the members will return from the moon viewing sites to congregate at the Azzavia Road Masjid in Walmer Estate where the names of members who saw the moon will be documented and they will be required to "bear testimony that they saw the moon".
Local Islamic radio stations will be informed, as will Muslim communities around the country.
The South African Astronomical Observatory's Dr C David Laney said the sighting of the moon today would be possible in the Middle East and the whole of Southern Africa.
"Assuming clear weather, the crescent will be easily visible from Cape Town and Mecca tonight," said Laney.
Children, the sick, warriors and pregnant women are exempt from fasting.