Astronomy Updates March 2023
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Bismillahir-Rahmanir-Rahim Astronomy Updates March 2023
All praise and thanks is for Allah the Most High Who says in the Holy Qur'an, "And He has made the sun and the moon, both constantly pursuing their courses, to be of service to you; and He has made the night and the day, to be of service to you." (14:33) And may blessings and peace be upon Sayyidina Muhammad by the amount of the stars in the heavens, as well as upon his Family and his Companions. In the Islamic hijri lunar calendar we are approaching the blessed month of Ramadan. On the evening of March 6th it was the 15th of the month of Sha'ban or Mid Sha'ban (Nisfu Sha'ban), a night in which many Muslims spend in worship. The below photo is of the Full Moon on that blessed night (taken in the early hours of March 7th). SubhanAllah!  The Full Moon of Nisfu Sha'ban (1444 A.H.) Photo Credit: Irshaad A. Rashid
The below photo was taken in the early morning hours of March 9. It was just about one day after the Full Moon. It had now begun to wane, and you'll notice that you can start to see details of the craters on the far right side. In both the above and below photos, you'll notice a prominent crater towards the bottom of the moon surrounded by many rays or spokes. This crater is known as "Tycho" and has an estimated age of 108 million years (relatively young) and has a diameter of approximately 85 km. SubhanAllah!  Moon: Waning Gibbous Phase 99.76% Illuminated Photo Credit: Irshaad A. Rashid Click to enlarge photo.
Recently there was a Venus-Jupiter conjunction. I took the below photo on March 2, 2023 with a DSLR camera and telephoto lens. In this photo the planet Venus is the brighter object to the top, and below it, is the planet Jupiter. If you zoom in on the below photo you can see Jupiter's four largest moons often referred to as the Galilean Moons (namely, Io, Europa, Ganymede and Callisto). SubhanAllah!
On March 9th, I took the below photo of the moon shining, with the dome and minaret of Halton masjid. Both the moon and the minaret have soft glowing lights. The crescent moons atop the dome and minaret remind me that we are in harmony with the cosmos, all in the glorification of Allah the Most High. And as the moon is a sign calling us to Allah and His Messenger Sayyidina Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), the Adhan (Muslim Call to Prayer) is recited from atop the minarets all around the earth, also calling us to Allah and His Messenger Sayyidina Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). In this photo, we see symbols of beauty and goodness, noble and high.  The Moon and Halton Masjid Photo Credit: Irshaad A. Rashid Click to enlarge photo.
I am thankful for, and continue to be inspired by your astronomy-related photos and videos. Below are some photos recently sent to us by fellow astronomy enthusiasts. May Allah reward all of you with goodness!
The below photos of the Northern Lights come to us from Sr. Sarah A of Calgary Alberta. She took the photos on February 26, 2023 and mentioned that it was such a rare occurrence to see the Northern Lights in this particular residential area. Click on either of the two below photos to see her video - you'll be amazed at the movement of these lights. SubhanAllah! Thank you Sr. Sarah!  The Moon Photo Credit: Maryam N Click to enlarge photo.  The Moon Photo Credit: Maryam N Click to enlarge photo. Masha Allah, I was so happy to find out that Br. Sameem S of Pickering, Ontario is also into astronomy. He sent us this photo he took in Scarborough in the blessed month of Ramadan on May 26, 2019 using his Celestron 130 telescope. It's the moon in its third quarter phase (also known as last quarter or half moon), 52% illuminated. Masha Allah! Thank-you br. Sameem!
Below are Br. Shazam D's photos of the day moon that he recently took in Miami, Florida, USA. The first photo contains the sun and the moon in the same shot. SubhanAllah! To the extreme right of the photo is the moon, and to the extreme left is the sun. The second photo has the moon beautifully framed between palm trees. Thank you br. Shazam! The Sun and the Moon
The Moon During the Day
Al-Hamdu Lillah, when I consider all of the astronomy-related photos and videos shared for this project, we can see how astronomy is enjoyed in so many different ways. Seeing our different angles of creativity, talent, and even geographical location helps to broadened our perspectives and appreciation for the astronomy experience!
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Such an amazing assortment of photos and information! I especially love the day moon pictures. A reminder that the moon is out there always, day and night.
Wow the northern lights look incredible!! Surreal to see it happening over residential housing
Thanks to all to all the astrophotographers who allow the general people like myself to experience these beautiful pictures.
The northern lights gracefully displayed with a vibrant green which is the favorite color of The Chosen One may Allah’s blessings and peace be forever upon him. Ameen.
I feel like it’s almost communicating with us in a different language.
We marvel at the floating illuminated marble.
The craters are beauty marks of the face of the moon which intensifies its beauty.
It’s mesmerizing one can’t fight the natural spiritual urge to embrace the astounding creation of our Cherisher.
The picture that was captured by sister Khadija has a pinkish distinction that likens to rose pedals which is compared to they beauty of the best of creation may Allah’s blessing be upon him, his sacred family, companions and all those who follow his way until the final day.
Ameen.
Amazing pictures of the moon
The northern lights picture colors are dope.