Crescent Moon sighting is one of the most fascinating astronomical observations, especially when it comes to very thin crescents.

There is a fierce competition among lunar crescent observers to see crescents that can be seen with the unaided eye as well as optical instruments such as telescopes or binoculars.

In a particular location, it may take decades for such crescents to be seen. Even considering the best  weather condition, very clear horizon, experienced observers won’t have the chance to break any records every month due to the variable parameters of the month.

In this regard the record is observing the youngest crescent after the geocentric conjunction of the Sun and the Moon. Such a thin crescent Moon might be visible somewhere on Earth after the sunset with the naked eye or using optical instruments.

Currently the record of observing the youngest crescent Moon with the naked eye belongs to Mr. Stephen J. O’Meara from the United States who observed a 15 hours and 32 minutes crescent on May 24, 1990, which has not been broken yet.

Also, the record of observing the youngest crescent Moon with the optical instrument belongs to the writer by observing a 11h min crescent on September 7, 2002 which has not been improved so far.

If observers follow breaking the record of the age of lunar crescent they will have two options ahead: Waiting long time to obtain proper conditions, or traveling to specific locations on Earth where they can find right conditions.

Years ago,, I provided a table with the exact coordinates to see the lunar crescents near the current records. In 2003, the author prepared a table of interesting records from 2005 to 2024 using Moon Calculator 6.0 software and recently the table has been upgraded till 2034. 

This table provides the latitude and longitude, date and exact parameters of the crescent moon .These crescents have been calculated based on the important record of 2002 by the author. Although this record has not been improved yet, it is possible to be broken somewhere on Earth with accurate planning.

It’s crucial to have perfect conditions such as proper instruments, clean and clear horizon and high locations from the sea level. However, the author has tried to avoid the records that might be obtainable far from land.

Hopefully soon the records can be improved by the capable observers

Sincerely: M. Gh. Mirsaid
Tehran: February 2023