n compliance with the order issued by the Supreme Court to observe the crescent of the month of Shawwal and in line with the directives of the University Rector and the direct supervision of the Vice-President of the Astronomical Observatory Council, Dr. Mosallam Al-Dosari, the team of Astronomical Observatory at the University went to observe the crescent on Saturday, 29 Shawwal 1438 at the new Astronomical Observatory in Hawtat Sudair. About 10 observers saw the Shawwal crescent and signed their testimony, but it is still up to the Supreme court to announce the start of month. Dr. Dosari said that the observation of Shawwal crescent by the University Observatory is considered one of the University’s community services in line with the Supreme court request. A team of observers equipped with cutting-edge technology was delegated by the Rector to sight the next month’s crescent. “I would like to thank the University Rector for his ongoing support of the Observatory and his efforts in this regard,” Dr. Dosari concluded. Earlier before observation, the University General Administration for Operation and Maintenance in cooperation with the Astronomical Observatory on campus had completed the construction work and the necessary equipment at its new headquarter Hawtat Sudair. The Administration also completed the construction of the concrete rooms through casting outside the site, transporting the molds and casting them at the site by a construction company. The University has also provided the necessary equipment for observation along with the needed training of the crescent observers. Furthermore, the Public Relations Department has notified media channels interested in this event of the time and place of observation.
