At What Age Moon Can Be Sighted?

Sighting is possible at different age in different months. So, age cannot be a criterion for sighting. Why is it so? Because, the orbit of the moon is elliptical and in its orbit, the moon moves faster when it is closer to the earth, and slower when it is farther from earth.

How old must the Moon be to be sighted?

The new crescent Moon can generally be seen only if it sets at least 46 minutes after the Sun has set** Astronomers at SA Astronomical Observatory have however sighted the Moon earlier – setting at least 33 min after sunset – from Signal Hill in Cape Town, but only if the age of the Moon is at least 24hr old at sunset.

How old can the Moon be seen with the naked eye?

The Babylonians came to know that the visibility of new crescent with naked eye is possible when the age of the Moon is greater than 24 hours and lag is more than 48 minutes (LJ, Fatoohi, 1999).