STUDY OF BAFFLE EFFECTIVENESS FOR NEW CRESCENT MOON OBSERVATION USING STRAYLIGHT ANALYSIS

• Main Author: Syifa Ezra Ibrahim, Ridho
• Format: Final Project
• Language: Indonesia
• Subjects: Astronomi
• Online Access: https://digilib.itb.ac.id/gdl/view/80054
• Institution: Institut Teknologi Bandung

Observing the crescent moon in Indonesia plays a crucial role in determining the beginning of the Islamic month in the lunar calendar. Visibility criteria for the crescent moon, such as elongation and thickness, are key factors in determining whether the new moon can be seen with the naked eye. This research delves into the production process of a simple baffle as an aid in the composition of instruments for observing the crescent moon. The baffle, typically in the form of a tube or cone, plays a vital role in minimizing straylight that can affect the quality of observations. By utilizing a baffle, observers can enhance the contrast and clarity of their observations, especially when the background light conditions from the Sun are still visible in the sky. The study also attempts to develop a simpler and more affordable baffle to assist amateur new moon observers in improving the quality of their observations. The simple baffle produced uses black doff manila paper with a PVC pipe casing painted black on its inner surface. Results from observations in the studio demonstrate the capability of the produced baffle to help improve observation contrast that might be disrupted by straylight.