'Eclipses in Ramadhan are normal'

'Eclipses in Ramadhan are normal'

BANDUNG: An expert from the Bosscha Observatory in Lembang, West Java, told people on Sunday not to be concerned that two eclipses were taking place during November, when the country's Muslims are observing the holy month of Ramadhan.

Moeji Raharto, head of the Bosscha Observatory, said on Sunday a lunar and solar eclipse taking place during Ramadhan was not extraordinary.

Indonesia experienced a lunar eclipse on Nov. 9 and a solar eclipse is expected to take place on Nov. 24.

Moeji said lunar and solar eclipses also occurred on May 16 and May 19, 2003.

"Lunar and solar eclipses have taken place about 60 times during Ramadhan since the year 10 Hijrah (year 589) to 1424 H (year 2003)," Moeji said. --Antara