NPR: Mosques Update Approach to Ramadan Planning

All Things Considered, September 22, 2006 · After centuries of relying on actual sightings of the moon to determine the start of Ramadan, many mosques in the United States are switching to a more scientific method, relying on astronomical calculations to determine the advent of the new moon. Many Muslims say the move will remove some of the uncertainty in planning for their holy month celebrations. [ Listen at NPR ]