See discussions, stats, and author profiles for this publication at: https://www.researchgate.

net/publication/299294039

Moedji Raharto / A Study the length of Synodic Periods of Several Lunar

Calendar in Indonesia A Study the length of Synodic Periods of Several Lunar
Calendar in Indonesia

Conference Paper · May 2015

CITATIONS READS

0 770

2 authors:

Moedji Raharto Novi Sopwan

Bandung Institute of Technology UIN Sunan Ampel Surabaya
45 PUBLICATIONS   48 CITATIONS    10 PUBLICATIONS   3 CITATIONS   

SEE PROFILE SEE PROFILE

Some of the authors of this publication are also working on these related projects:

ASTRONOMICAL OBSERVATORY AND SCIENCE CENTER IN SUMATERA View project

All content following this page was uploaded by Moedji Raharto on 22 March 2016.

The user has requested enhancement of the downloaded file.

Moedji Raharto / A Study the length of Synodic Periods of Several Lunar Calendar in Indonesia 1

A Study the length of Synodic Periods of Several Lunar Calendar in Indonesia

Moedji Raharto* and Novi Sopwan**

*)Kelompok Keilmuan Astronomi - FMIPA, Institut Teknologi Bandung
**) Mahasiswa S3 Prodi Astronomi - Pasca Sarjana Astronomi - FMIPA ITB
Jl Ganesha 10, Bandung 40132, Jawa Barat, Indonesia

Tel/Fax : 085221088854 / 022 2509170; Email: mraharto2009@gmail.com

Abstract – One of deep understanding about regularities of astronomical phenomena such moon phase will be recorded in
lunar calendar system, regularities seasons will be recorded in solar calendar and luni solar calendar system is also
importance to understand the tidal force work on the earth. We present our preliminary study the length of synodic period of
several lunar calendars in Indonesia, such as Sundanese Caka Calendar, Javanese Calendar, Balinese Caka Calendar and
Islamic calendar. In early Javanese lunar calendar system, consist of a Windu-cycle or 8-year cycle which composed three
long years with 355 days and five short years with 354 days. Sundanese Caka calendar uses similar Windu cycle or 8 year
cycle in addition after 15 Windu Cycle or 120 lunar year another correction is also given, that one long year (355 days)
becomes a short year (354 days). Another method is found in Hijriah calendar, within 30 lunar years composed of 19 short
years (354 years) and 11 long years (355 days) used in Islamic calendar tabulation version, and it is found that synodic length
of 29.53055556 days. National Islamic calendar which is currently used for daily activities is called Taqwim standard. The
calendar is arranged based on a certain criteria of early visibilities of moon crescent which is called criteria 2-3-8, then it is
found the synodic period of Taqwim standard of 29.53052461 days.

Many average synodic periods from astronomical calculation within 5000 years (solar calendar) or more than 5000 years can
be also obtained 29.530589 days (Stephenson and Baolin, 1991) or 29.53059 days (Espenak, 2015). There are discrepancies
between the lengths of synodic month derived from lunar calendar compared with an accurate astronomical prediction. This
phenomenon may indicate degree of precision of understanding of moon-phase phenomena for practical purposes.

Key words: Calendar, Synodic

I. PENDAHULUAN
Hawkins (1983) and Wells (1996) indicates that the
knowledge a time unit of 365 days closed to regulation of
“tropical year” of the sun and some lunar calendar which
based on the regulation of moon-phase around 3000 BC. It
is during Pyramids era in ancient Egypt. Meton (430 BC)
found that 235 lunation is equal to 19 years, the similar
moon-phase, both are occurred in the same date of solar
calendar. It is an interesting to know how the human life to
discover and to construct the knowledge of moon-phase in
other place in the worlds. The earth moves around the sun
with tropical years of 365.2422 days for average. Within a
tropical year there are several phenomena: the length of
days, equinox’s phenomena, spring and autumnal equinox
and solstices’ phenomena, winter and summer solstices.
The moon moves around the earth for 27.3 days and
synodic period of 29.53 days. The position of the Moon, the
Sun and the Earth makes a gradual change on moon-phase.
Half moon face is always facing to the earth due the sidereal
rotation period of 27.3 days equal to revolution of 27.3. Four
importance moon-phases are conjunction, first quarter, full
moon and last quarter. The first crescent visibility is also
importance to determine the first day of new month. Tidal
force rhythm is always followed by the position of the
moon, if the position of the moon in the sky closer to the sun
(conjunction phase) or the moon in the opposition (full
moon phase).
Moon and solar eclipses are also importance phenomena
generated by the earth, moon and sun system. The
penumbral eclipse of the moon may be not recognized as
moon eclipses, the ancient people may only know partial
and total eclipses. Annular, total and partial solar eclipses
may be as general knowledge. Saros cycle and Meton cycle
may be indicate that the awareness of ancient people about
those complicated astronomical phenomena, such regulation
of lunar and solar eclipses have been studied in more detail.
Both Saros and Meton are given in lunation unit, 223
lunations for Saros cycle and 235 lunations for Meton cycle.
Saros cycle corresponds to approximately 18 years 11 days
8 hours and Meton cycle corresponds to approximately 19
years. Lunar, Solar or Luni ─ Solar were constructed based
on the knowledge of synodic period of the moon and
tropical period of the sun.
Retrospection about the reformation on solar calendar by
Pope Gregory XIII in 1582 AD, Pope Gregory XIII
abolished the date from 5 to 14 October 1582 then the
number of days of October 1582, 10 days shorter than usual
October. The calendar reformed is a consequence of the lack
information of gradual change the position of equinox due to
precession when it was declared as solar calendar by Julius
Caesar in 46 BC. The simple rule for the longest year of
solar calendar (consist of 366 days) was not precise enough
to accommodate the changing of equinoxes. The longest

Prosiding Seminar Astronomi dalam Budaya Nusantara, Yogyakarta, 25 Mei 2015

ISSN : XXXX-XXXX
2 Moedji Raharto / A Study the length of Synodic Periods of Several Lunar Calendar in Indonesia
year is defined only for the year divisible by 4 and then the
average of tropical year is (3 x 365 + 1 x 366)/4 days =
365.25 days. The average tropical year derived from solar
calendar about 0.0078 days longer than the real average
tropical year (365.2422 days). The sun will reach equinox
78 days faster after 10000 years. The new rule of the
calendar reformed for all the year divisible 100, but not
divisible by 400 become short year (consist of 365 days).
The average of tropical year for the reformed calendar will
be [(300+3) x 365 + (100 ─ 3) x 366]/400 days = 365.2425
days. It is 0.0003 days longer than the real average tropical
year (365.2422 days) or the sun will be 3 days faster to
reach equinox after 1000 years. If it is not reformed then the
propagation calendar error will be occurred such as the error
of Pass Over (Paskah) will be in an error, the other luni-
solar calendar will be in an error.
How about in lunar calendar system? In principle the
lunar calendar based on Hisab Hakiki may not have such
problem because every month has been checked by reality,
young moon crescent. How about Urfi System? The
knowledge of the regulation of moon-phase should be
known precisely for long time ago, but the knowledge of the
precise position of the moon has been achieved in end of 19
century. These circumstances give a motivation to study
about the length of synodic period in lunar calendar.
II. SYNODIC PERIOD OF THE MOON
In modern era Stephenson and Baolin (1991) found that
for average the synodic periods of the moon is 29.530589
days, based on study of synodic period within 5000 years
from 1000 BC ─ 4000 AD. It is also found that the shortest
synodic cycle is 29.2679 days and the longest synodic cycle
is 29.8376 days. Espenak (2015) found that the average of
the synodic periods of the moon is 29.53059 days. It is
based on study of synodic periods within 6000 years from
2000 BC ─ 4000 AD.
A derived value of synodic periods using a geometry
relationship as follows:
1 1
ቆ ቇ= ൬ ൰− ൬
����������������−�� ����������������−�� ����������������−��
We adopt sidereal period of the earth around the sun,
365.25636 days and sidereal period of the moon around the
earth, 27.32166 days from Tabel 15.3 in Sidelmann (1992).
Psideris-E=365.25636 days
Psideris-M=27.32166 days
Psynodic-M=29.53058707days= 29.53059 days
If the value of sidereal period of the earth around the sun,
365.25636 days and sidereal period of the moon around the
earth, 27.32166 days then the synodic period of the moon
will be 29.53058707 days ≈ 29.53059 days. This synodic
period of moon 29.53059 days is similar to average value
obtained from Espenak (2015), Stephenson and Baolin
(1991) and Sidelmann (1992).
0.03386319404=0.03660099716-0.002737803115
Prosiding Seminar Astronomi dalam Budaya Nusantara, Yogyakarta, 25 Mei 2015
We draw a conclusion that a consistent solution for the
average of the synodic period of moon is equal 29.53059
days.
III. Islamic Calendar or Hijriah Calendar
There are two ways to construct Islamic calendar, through
tabulation and recently through direct calculation and using
a criteria of the first visibility of the moon. The tabulation
method is introduced during a period of al Khulafa ar
Rasyidun in Madinah from 11 H/632 AD ─ 40 H/661 AD;
the second Khulafah is Umar ibn Khattab, and he governs
for 10 years 6 months in the period of 13 H/634 AD ─ 32
H/644 AD. The earliest Islamic Calendar system or Hijriah
Calendar using tabulation methods developed during
Khulafah Umar bin Khaththab (17 H or 639 CE), the
calendar is called Hisab Urfi. Basically the calendar system
adopts the mean value of the synodic period of the moon as
basis to determine the rule.
The scientific reason behind the born of the earliest
Islamic Calendar system is the need to determine the
beginning of Ramadlan (the ninth month) and Syawal (the
tenth month) for fasting, as well as the beginning of
Dzulhijjah (the twelfth month) for Hajj or pilgrim. The
wider explanation to use the Islamic calendar system is the
need for administration purposes to mark the exact date of
official letter. The Khulafah has a vision for the need of
Islamic Calendar which can be used globally in all over the
world. In this Hisab Urfi system the Ramadlan always
consist of 30 days.
In the beginning, the determination of the first Ramadlan
determined by observation of hilal, the first young crescent
seen by naked eye at sun set. The important date for hilal
observation is the 29th of the running month, or the date and
the time of conjunction. If the hilal is successfully observed
then the next day will be the beginning of the new month of
Islamic calendar. If the hilal is not successfully observed
then the day after tomorrow will be the beginning of the new
month of Islamic calendar. The problem is if the hilal not
successfully observed for several time how to correct?
1 Another problem is the position of observer, not all hilal can
൰ be observed by the muslim in the northern part hemisphere
when the sun in the southern hemisphere such as at winter-
solstice position. The same case when the sun in the
northern hemisphere such as at summer-solstice position,
then the muslim in the southern part hemisphere may not
able to see the first visibility of lunar crescent.
IV.URFI CALENDAR
The beginning of the Islamic calendar system is 16 July,
622 (Julian calendar era, CE). One year consists of 12
months: (1) Muharram, (2) Shafar, (3) Rabi’ul Awal, (4)
Rabi’ul Akhir, (5) Jumadal Ula, (6) Jumadal Akhirah, (7)
Rajab, (8) Sya’ban, (9) Ramadlan, (10) Syawal, (11)
Dzulqa’dah and (12) Dzulhijjah. The shortest month in hisab
Urfi consists 29 days and the longest consists of 30 days.
The shortest year, called basithah or basit, it consists of 354
days. It is composed by 6 months with 29 days and 6 months
with 30 days, then the total number of days is (6 x 29 + 6 x
30) days = (174 + 180) days = 354 days. The longest year,
ISSN : XXXX-XXXX
Moedji Raharto / A Study the length of Synodic Periods of Several Lunar Calendar in Indonesia 3

called kabisat, it is composed by 5 months with 29 days and Muslim and the Christian Calendars.Wardan (1957) in
7 months with 30 days, then the total number of days is (5 x Marsono (2004), Raharto (2001) and Irfan Anshori (2006)
29 + 7 x 30) days = (145 + 210) days = 355 days. refer to this model.

Table 1. Total number of days in a year on Urfi Calendar Table 2. Model of Distribution of Kabisat in 30 years Cycle (Daur 30
tahun)
Name of month Basit Kabisat
Year Model 1 Model 2 Model 3 Model 4 Model 5 Model 6
Muharram 30 30
1
Safar 29 29 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
Rabi’ul Awal 30 30 3
Rabi’ul Akhir 29 29 4
Jumadal Ula 30 30 5 5 5 5 5 5 5
Jumadal Akhirah 29 29 6
Rajab 30 30 7 7 7 7 7
Sya'ban 29 29 8 8 8
9
Ramadhan 30 30
10 10 10 10 10 10
Syawal 29 29 11 11
Dzulkaedah 30 30 12
Dzulhijjah 29 30 13 13 13 13 13 13 13
Total Number of Days 354 355 14
15 15
16 16 16 16 16 16
There are 6 months consist of 30 days for the shortest 17
year, the first month (1) Muharram, the third month (3) 18 18 18 18 18
Rabi’ul Awal, the fifth month (5) Jumadal Ula, the seventh 19 19 19
month (7) Rajab, the ninth month (9) Ramadlan) and the 20 20
21 21 21 21 21 21
eleventh month (11) Dzulqadah. For the longest year there is 22
additional one of the longest month, the twelfth month (12) 23
Dzulhijjah consist 30 days. 24 24 24 24 24 24 24
This equality may be used and inspiration to develop Urfi 25
26 26 26 26 26
model calendar, 300 solar years is equal 309 lunar years. It 27 27 27
was a solar calendar composed of 12 months with 30 days 28 28
each, plus 5 days epact. Then 300 solar years = 300 x 365 29 29 29 29 29
days = 109500 days or one lunar year is (109500/309) days 30 30
= 354.3689320388 days or about ≈ 354 (11/30) days. If we
use the average length of tropical year 365.2421897 days Model 3
(Sidelmann, 1992), then 300 tropical years = 300 x Some others criteria the longest years of the Hijriah
365.2421897 days = 109572.6569 days and the average Calendar defined if m = 2, 5, 8, 10, 13, 16, 19, 21, 24, 27
lunar calendar is (109572.6569/309) days = and 29; is known Fathimiyah calendar (this calendar is also
354.6040676699 days. Within 30 years will be 19 basit year belong to Misri and Bohra calendar).
and 11 kabisat year of lunar calendar. Darsono (2010) Model 4
presented several model of Urfi Calendar. Some others criteria the longest years of the Hijriah
Model 1: Calendar defined if m = 2, 5, 8, 11, 13, 16, 19, 21, 24, 27
The longest years of the Hijriah Calendar defined if m = and 30; this calendar is used by Habash al Hasib (9 CE) and
2, 5, 7, 10, 13, 15, 18, 21, 24, 26 and 29; this criteria is al Biruni (10 -11 CE); ILyas from Nusaybin/Nisibis ( 11
known as Kuwaiti Algorithm, this system was used by CE ). For example H = 1431 then m = Frac (1431 / 30) x 30
Kushyar ibn Labban (ca 11 CE) and Ulugh Beg in central = 0.7 x 30 = 21 then 1431 H is the Kabisah year.
Asia (ca 15 CE); where m = Frac (H / 30) x 30 and H = Model 5
Islamic Year or Hijriah Year. In Indonesia, this model is Some others criteria the longest years of the Hijriah
known as hisab istilahi and it is used formerly by A. Katsir Calendar defined if m = 2, 5, 7, 10, 13, 16, 18, 20, 24, 26
(1979); Azhari (2008). and 29; this calendar is used by officially in Indonesia
Model 2 (Anonim, 1981), Khazin (2007), Aqil (2008) and Hambali
Some others criteria of the longest years of the Hijriah (2011).
Calendar defined if m = 2, 5, 7, 10, 13, 16, 18, 21, 24, 26 Model 6
and 29. This well known criteria is known as Utsmani Some others criteria the longest years of the Hijriah
criteria (Turki); where m = Frac (H / 30) x 30 and H = Calendar defined if m = 2, 5, 7, 10, 13, 16, 18, 21, 24, 26
Islamic Year or Hijriah Year. and 28; this calendar is used by Affandi (1976).
This model is well known in astronomy, this model is The current problem for determining the beginning of
used as algorithm competition in NASA. Dogget (1992) Ramadlan and Syawal in Indonesia sometimes is not unique,
used Model 2 as an example of Islamic calendar. Freeman – some group of people may use Urfi calendar which different
Grenville (1963) uses this model for conversion between the rule or another methods. Generally Taqwim standard uses

Prosiding Seminar Astronomi dalam Budaya Nusantara, Yogyakarta, 25 Mei 2015

ISSN : XXXX-XXXX
4 Moedji Raharto / A Study the length of Synodic Periods of Several Lunar Calendar in Indonesia

criteria after conjunction, the altitude of the moon above 2 These tabulation methods may deviate with reality of
degree at sun-set time, the distance of the sun and the moon moon-phase, the date of lunar calendar may not exactly
longer than 3 degree and the age of the moon from the describe moon-phase. The regulation describe in the
conjunction more than 8 hours. calendar may not follow the variation of reality, month to
The main stream society using hisab hakiki methods, month variation. The variation of synodic cycle have a wide
these methods will be free from correction because it is range 13.6728 hours, the shortest synodic cycle is 29.2679
adjusted monthly; however due to different criteria applied days and the longest synodic cycle is 29.8376 days. Another
for each calendar system, then the uniqueness of beginning method is hisab Hakiki, it will follow the variation of
of Ramadhan or Syawal sometimes is not achieved. synodic cycle. The following tables (table 3 - 6) show
The average number of Hijriah years will be [(19 x 354 + example how the hisab hakiki work and the different
11 x 355) /30] days = (354 + 11/30) hari = 354.3666667 between Hisab Urfi (tabulation methods) and Hisab Hakiki
days. In the 30 years consist of 11 kabisah years and 19 yearly or monthly.
basith years or average length of one month is (11 x 355 +
19 x 354) / (30 x 12) = 10631/360 = 29.53055556 days. 30 Tabel 3. Number of days for Lunar Calendar Hisab Hakiki
Islamic years equal to 29.1067133 tropical years. Total Number of
Year First day of year JD
Based on the Urfi calendar system, it can be argued that Days
the number of the Hijriah months with composed of 30 days 1437 14 October 2015 2457309.958 354
1436 25 October 2014 2456955.958 354
more than the number of the Hijriah months with composed
1435 05 November 2013 2456601.958 354
of 29 days. By definition then, within 30 years there are 30 1434 15 November 2012 2456246.958 355
kabisah years, it means that the Dzulhijjah with 29 days will 1433 27 November 2011 2455892.958 354
be reduce to (30 ─ 11) = 19 months and Dzulhijjah with 30 1432 07 December 2010 2455537.958 355
days will be 11 months. Within 30 years there are 30 x 12 1431 18 December 2009 2455183.958 354
Hijriah months = 360 Hijriah months, then the number of 1430 29 December 2008 2454829.958 354
Hijriah months with composed of 29 days will be (180 ─ 1429 10 January 2008 2454475.958 354
11) = 169 months and the number of Hijriah months with 1428 20 January 2007 2454120.958 355
composed of 30 days will be (180 +11) = 191 months. 1427 31 January 2006 2453766.958 354
1426 10 February 2005 2453411.958 355
Within the 30 years period an exact number of days can be
1425 22 February 2004 2453057.958 354
calculated as followed: (169 x 29 + 191 x 30) days = (19 X 1424 04 March 2003 2452702.958 355
354 + 11 x 355) days = 10631 days. Since the average of
synodic months of Urfi calendar is 29.53055556 days. The V.ISLAMIC LUNATION NUMBER (ILn)
value is almost the same as synodic period of the moon In general Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar and the
phase based on astronomical calculation 29.530589 days. beginning of the calendar system 15 July 622 or 16 July
The number of days in each month in Hijriah calendar is 29 622, each month consists of 29 days or 30 days, each year
days or 30 days, then it can be concluded that the Hijriah consists 12 months. There are two types of Islamic
calendar based on crescent visibilities criteria will have the Calendars, tabulation calendar and fixed number of days for
same character, the total number of the Hijriah months with each month and dynamic number of days, each month
composed of 30 days will be more compared with the total sometimes consists of 29 days or 30 days depend on the
number of the Hijriah months with composed of 29 days. young moon crescent visibility in the beginning of month.
Some questions which one is occurred often the Ramadhan Some criteria for the first visibility of the young moon
with 29 days or 30 days? It is not simply answered. crescent after conjunction is still developed by Islamic
For example is the following calculation of a composition scientist as well astronomers in several country in the world
of Hijriah months with 29 days and Hijriah months with 30 for example Ilyas (1994); Odeh (2004); Sultan (2006, 2007),
days between 1 Muharram 1 H and 1 Muharram 1437 H. Yallop (1997)
The number of Hijriah months between 1 Muharram 1 H
and 1 Muharram 1437 H = (1437 ─ 1) x 12 Hijriah months
= 17232 Hijriah months and extra number of Hijriah months
with 30 days is ((1437 ─ 1) /30) = (1436/30) x 11 ≈ 526.
Then the total number of Hijriah months with 30 days is
[(17232 / 2) + 526] = [8616 + 526] = 9142 or (9142/17232)
x 100% = 53.05%; the total number of Hijriah months with
29 days is [(17232 / 2) ─ 526] = [8616 ─ 526] = 8090 or
(8090/17232) x 100% = 46.95%. If A is the number of
Hijriah months with 30 days and B is the number of Hijriah
months with 29 days, then A: B = 9142: 8090 = 113 : 100.
In the same period 1436 hijriah years, the Urfi calendar
system has the total number of Dzulhijjah with 30 days of
(1436/30) x 11 ≈ 526 and the total number of Dzulhijjah
with 29 days of (1436 ─ 526) = 910.

Prosiding Seminar Astronomi dalam Budaya Nusantara, Yogyakarta, 25 Mei 2015

ISSN : XXXX-XXXX
Moedji Raharto / A Study the length of Synodic Periods of Several Lunar Calendar in Indonesia 5

Table 4. Variation the total number of days in each year for Taqwim Standard and Hisab Urfi Model 1 - 6
H Taqwim Standard Model 1 Model 2 Model 3 Model 4 Model 5 Model 6 Frac (H/30) * 30
1437 354 354 354 355 355 354 354 27
1436 354 355 355 354 354 355 355 26
1435 354 354 354 354 354 354 354 25
1434 355 355 355 355 355 355 355 24
1433 354 354 354 354 354 354 354 23
1432 355 354 354 354 354 354 354 22
1431 354 355 355 355 355 354 355 21
1430 354 354 354 354 354 355 354 20
1429 354 354 354 355 355 354 354 19
1428 355 355 355 354 354 355 355 18
1427 354 354 354 354 354 354 354 17
1426 355 354 355 355 355 355 355 16
1425 354 355 354 354 354 354 354 15
1424 355 354 354 354 354 354 354 14

Table 5. Camparison among Taqwim Standard in 2014 M and 2015 M

Taqwim Standard 2014 M Taqwim Standard 2015 M
The Month of Hijriah Total of days The Month of Hijriah Total of days
Rabi’ul Awal 1435 H 29
Rabi’ul Akhir 1435 H 30 Rabi'ul Akhir 1436 H 29
Jumadal Ula 1435 H 29 Jumadal Ula 1436 H 30
Jumadal Akhirah 1435 H 30 Jumadal Akhirah 1436H 29
Rajab 1435 H 29 Rajab 1436 H 29
Sya’ban 1435 H 30 Sya'ban 1436 H 30
Ramadhan 1435 H 29 Ramadhan 1436 H 29
Syawal 1435 H 30 Syawal 1436 H 30
Dzulkaedah 1435 H 30 Dzulkaedah 1436 H 30
Dzulhijjah 1435 H 29 Dzulhijjah 1436 H 29
Muharram 1436 H 30 Muharram 1437 H 30
Safar 1436 H 29 Safar 1437 H 30
Rabi’ul Awal 1436 H 30 Rabi'ul Awal 1437 H 29

Table 6. Comparison among Taqwim Standard and Urfi Model

Taqwim Standard Taqwim model 1 model 2 model 3 model 4 model 5 model 6
Rabi’ul Awal 1435 H 29 30 30 30 30 30 30
Rabi’ul Akhir 1435 H 30 29 29 29 29 29 29
Jumadal Ula 1435 H 29 30 30 30 30 30 30
Jumadal Akhirah 1435 H 30 29 29 29 29 29 29
Rajab 1435 H 29 30 30 30 30 30 30
Sya’ban 1435 H 30 29 29 29 29 29 29
Ramadhan 1435 H 29 30 30 30 30 30 30
Syawal 1435 H 30 29 29 29 29 29 29
Dzulkaedah 1435 H 30 30 30 30 30 30 30
Dzulhijjah 1435 H 29 29 29 29 29 29 29
Muharram 1436 H 30 30 30 30 30 30 30
Safar 1436 H 29 29 29 29 29 29 29
Rabi’ul Awal 1436 H 30 30 30 30 30 30 30
Rabi'ul Akhir 1436 H 29 29 29 29 29 29 29
Jumadal Ula 1436 H 30 30 30 30 30 30 30
Jumadal Akhirah 1436H 29 29 29 29 29 29 29
Rajab 1436 H 29 30 30 30 30 30 30
Sya'ban 1436 H 30 29 29 29 29 29 29
Ramadhan 1436 H 29 30 30 30 30 30 30
Syawal 1436 H 30 29 29 29 29 29 29
Dzulkaedah 1436 H 30 30 30 30 30 30 30
Dzulhijjah 1436 H 29 30 30 29 29 30 30
Muharram 1437 H 30 30 30 30 30 30 30
Safar 1437 H 30 29 29 29 29 29 29
Rabi'ul Awal 1437 H 29 30 30 30 30 30 30

Prosiding Seminar Astronomi dalam Budaya Nusantara, Yogyakarta, 25 Mei 2015

ISSN : XXXX-XXXX
6 Moedji Raharto / A Study the length of Synodic Periods of Several Lunar Calendar in Indonesia

Table 7. Name of the year in Sundanese Caka Calendar

Date Gregorian Calendar
No Name of the year Caka Year Number of days Julian Date
*) Published Calendar (shifted 1 day later)
1 Kebo 1945 354 2454805.5 Friday, 5 December 2008 CE*)
2 Monyet 1946 355 2455159.5 Tuesday, 24 November 2009 CE*)
3 Hurang 1947 354 2455514.5 Sunday, 14 November 2010 CE*)
4 Kalabang 1948 354 2455868.5 Thursday, 3 November 2011 CE*)
5 Embe 1949 355 2456222.5 Monday, 22 October 2012 CE*)
6 Keuyeup 1950 354 2456577.5 Saturday, 12 October 2013 CE*)
7 Cacing 1951 354 2456931.5 Wednesday, 1 October 2014 CE*)
8 Hurang 1952 355 2457285.5 Sunday, 20 September 2015 CE*)
1 Kebo 1953 354 2457640.5 Friday, 9 September 2016 CE*)

Table 8. Astronomical First Quarter Data in Sundanese Caka Calendar

Gregorian Astronomical First Quarter
No Name of the year Caka Year Year Month Date UT New Year Date

1 Kebo 1945 2008 Dec 5 21:26 Friday, 5 December 2008 CE

2 Monyet 1946 2009 Nov 24 21:39 Tuesday, 24 November 2009 CE
3 Hurang 1947 2010 Nov 13 16:39 Sunday, 14 November 2010 CE
4 Kalabang 1948 2011 Nov 2 16:38 Thursday, 3 November 2011 CE
5 Embe 1949 2012 Oct 22 3:32 Monday, 22 October 2012 CE
6 Keuyeup 1950 2013 Oct 11 23:02 Saturday, 12 October 2013 CE
7 Cacing 1951 2014 Oct 1 19:33 Wednesday, 1 October 2014 CE
8 Hurang 1952 2015 Sep 21 8:59 Sunday, 20 September 2015 CE
1 Kebo 1953 2016 Sep 9 11:49 Friday, 9 September 2016 CE

Table 9. Comparison among Burmese sytle Calendar & Sundanese Caka Calendar
Month Lan Xang Kengtung Chiang Mai Sundanese Caka
1 Margasirsa Karttika Asvina Kartika
2 Pausa Margasirsa Karttika Margasira
3 Magha Pausa Margasirsa Posya
4 Phalguna Magha Pausa Maga
5 Caitra Phalguna Magha Palguna
6 Vaisakha Caitra Phalguna Setra
7 Jyestha Vaisakha Caitra Wesaka
8 Ashadha Jyestha Vaisakha Yesta
9 Sravana Ashadha Jyestha Asada
10 Bhadrapada Sravana Ashadha Srawana
11 Asvina Bhadrapada Sravana Badra
12 Karttika Asvina Bhadrapada Asuji

Table 10. Comparison among Burmese sytle Calendar & Sundanese Caka Calendar
Month Lan Xang Sukhothai Old Burmese Sundanese Caka
1 Margasirsa Margasirsa Margasirsa Kartika
2 Pausa Pausa Pausa Margasira
3 Magha Magha Magha Posya
4 Phalguna Phalguna Phalguna Maga
5 Caitra Caitra Caitra Palguna
6 Vaisakha Vaisakha Vaisakha Setra
7 Jyestha Jyestha Jyestha Wesaka
8 Ashadha Ashadha Ashadha Yesta
9 Sravana Sravana Sravana Asada
10 Bhadrapada Bhadrapada Bhadrapada Srawana
11 Asvina Asvina Asvina Badra
12 Karttika Karttika Karttika Asuji

Prosiding Seminar Astronomi dalam Budaya Nusantara, Yogyakarta, 25 Mei 2015

ISSN : XXXX-XXXX
Moedji Raharto / A Study the length of Synodic Periods of Several Lunar Calendar in Indonesia 7

VI. A STUDY OF LUNAR SUNDANESE CALENDAR or 29 days (table 12) and it is divided into two sub division
Interaction between astronomical phenomena in space of the month, called Suklapaksa and Kresnapaksa (3) the
and human being will across group of people in the world. beginning of Suklapaksa corresponds to the first quarter of
The respond of the ancient will be recorded in calendar moon phase and the beginning of Kresnapaksa corresponds
system. It is useful that know the record of ancient people to the last quarter of moon phase. (4) The number of days in
about the environment in the past. Naming the year related 8 years is 2835 days, it is called Windu cycle. Within Windu
to the local animal may some earlier study of the appearance cycle there are 3 (three) long years or kabisat year (with 355
the animal in huge number. The lunar calendar is called days) and five short years or basit years (with 354 days).
CAKA – Sunda calendar, based on average of moon phase The kabisat years are the second, the fifth and the eighth (5)
period or synodic month. One year composes of 12 months; The number of days in 120 years (or 15 Windu cycles) is
each month is divided into two subdivisions, Suklapaksa and 42524 days, if the year divisible 120 then the year becomes
Kresnapaksa. The first 15 days in each month belongs to short year with 354 days (6) The number of days in 2400
Suklapaksa, and then the next 14 or 15 days belongs to years (20 times of 120 cycles) is 850481 days, if the year
Kresnapaksa. The beginning of new month Suklapaksa divisible 2400 then the year becomes long year with 355
indicates by the first quarter and the beginning of new days.
month Kresnapaksa indicates by the last quarter of moon The names of month in lunar calendar system used in the
phase. Actually the cycle of the lunar calendar is a Southeast Asia region have similarity. Some use by the
tabulation, not actual sighting. number not the name, if it is converted into the name then
The names of months in Sundanese Caka Calendar have there are similarity or some modifications have been made
similarity with Old Burmese Calendar, it indicates some and it is necessary to know which one is the older. Table 7
connections between Sundanese CAKA calendar and give an example of new year Sundanese Caka Calendar
southeast Lunar Calendar. There were cultural interaction in (Tahun baru Caka Sunda) 1 Kartika 1949, the year of Sheep
which recorded in the form of lunar calendar. (tahun Embe); corresponds 23 October 2012.
It is interesting to compare the deviation between the
beginning of Suklapaksa in Caka – Sunda and the time of Table 12. Name of month and Number of days in Sundanese Caka
first quarter, the deviation between the beginning of Calendar
Kresnapaksa in Caka – Sunda and the time of last quarter. Month Name of Month Number of days Number of days
Table 11 gives an example of lunar calendar in Sundanese. 1 Kartika 30 30
2 Margasira 29 29
Table 11. An example of lunar calendar in Sundanese. 3 Posya 30 30
Year & Month in Sundanese, (S): Suklapaksa and (K): Kresnapaksa, 4 Maga 29 29
NoD: number of days,JD: Julian day,D: date, M: Month, Year, 5 Palguna 30 30
and Day in CE. 6 Setra 29 29
7 Wesaka 30 30
Year & Month NoD JD D M Year Day
952 8 Yesta 29 29
1 Kartika 1 (S) 15 2102919.5 25 6 1045 Tuesday 9 Asada 30 30
2 Kartika 1 (K) 15 2102934.5 10 7 1045 Wednesday 10 Srawana 29 29
3 Margasira 1 (S) 15 2102949.5 25 7 1045 Thursday 11 Badra 30 30
4 Margasira 1 (K) 14 2102964.5 9 8 1045 Friday 12 Asuji 29 30
5 Posya 1 (S) 15 2102978.5 23 8 1045 Friday
6 Posya 1 (K) 15 2102993.5 7 9 1045 Saturday
Table 13. 8 year-cycle in Javanese Lunar Calendar
7 Maga 1 (S) 15 2103008.5 22 9 1045 Sunday
8 Maga 1 (K) 14 2103023.5 7 10 1045 Monday No Name of Year Number of days
9 Palguna 1 (S) 15 2103037.5 21 10 1045 Monday
1 Alip 354
10 Palguna 1 (K) 15 2103052.5 5 11 1045 Tuesday
11 Setra 1 (S) 15 2103067.5 20 11 1045 Wednesday 2 Ehe 355
12 Setra 1 (K) 14 2103082.5 5 12 1045 Thursday 3 Jimawal 354
13 Wesaka 1 (S) 15 2103096.5 19 12 1045 Thursday 4 Je 355
14 Wesaka 1 (K) 15 2103111.5 3 1 1046 Friday 5 Dal 354
15 Yesta 1 (S) 15 2103126.5 18 1 1046 Saturday 6 Be 354
16 Yesta 1 (K) 14 2103141.5 2 2 1046 Sunday 7 Wawu 355
17 Asada 1 (S) 15 2103155.5 16 2 1046 Sunday 8 Jimakir 354
18 Asada 1 (K) 15 2103170.5 3 3 1046 Monday
19 Srawana 1 (S) 15 2103185.5 18 3 1046 Tuesday
20 Srawana 1 (K) 14 2103200.5 2 4 1046 Wednesday VI. Javanese Lunar Calendar
21 Badra 1 (S) 15 2103214.5 16 4 1046 Wednesday It was firstly used by kingdom Sri Sultan Agung
22 Badra 1 (K) 15 2103229.5 1 5 1046 Thursday Muhammad Sultan Prabu Anjokrokusumo (1613 – 1645) in
23 Asuji 1 (S) 15 2103244.5 16 5 1046 Friday
24 Asuji 1 (K) 15 2103259.5 31 5 1046 Saturday the year of 1633 CE or 1043 H or 1555 C (Caka). The rule is
953 also similar with Sundanese Caka Calendar. There is a
1 Kartika 1 (S) 15 2103274.5 15 6 1046 Sunday Windu cycle or 8-year cycle. The 8-year cycle consist of 3
kabisat years (Wuntu) with 355 days and 5 basit years
Rule of the lunar calendar: (1) One year consist of 354 (Wastu) with 354 days (table 13). The kabisat years (Wuntu)
days or 355 days. (2) One year composes of 12 months, 30

Prosiding Seminar Astronomi dalam Budaya Nusantara, Yogyakarta, 25 Mei 2015

ISSN : XXXX-XXXX
8 Moedji Raharto / A Study the length of Synodic Periods of Several Lunar Calendar in Indonesia

are the second, the fourth and the seventh in the Windu
cycle. (29.53059 ─
Psin (days) Length of synodic) days
Table 14. Name of month and Number of days in Sundanese Caka Daur - 30 29.53055556 0.0124
Calendar 30 Daur - 30 29.53055556 0.372
Number of 40 Daur - 30 29.53055556 0.496
No Name of Javanese month 45 Daur - 30 29.53055556 0.558
Days
1 Suro 30 80 Daur - 30 29.53055556 0.992
2 Sapar 29 80 Daur - 30 + 1 days 29.53059028 -0.008
3 Mulud 30
4 Bakdomulud 29 ACKNOLEDGEMENTS
5 Jumadil Awal 30 The authors used research facilities at Astronomy
6 Jumadil Akhir 29 Research Divisions and Bosscha Observatory at ITB. We
7 Rejeb 30 would like to thanks to ITB for the facilities.
8 Ruwah 29
9 Poso 30
10 Sawal/Ba’do 29 REFERENCES
11 Dulkongidah/Selo 30 [1] Affandi, A.; 1976; Kebesaran Islam dan Peralihan Tanggal
12 Besar 29/30 (Jalan Masjid 20, Cicadas Bandung), Jawa Barat, Indonesia
[in Indonesian]
IV. DISCUSSIONS
Using the rule of Sunda Caka Calendar then it can be seen [2] Anonim; 1981; Almanak Hisab Rukyat; BHR Departemen
the drift between the length of synodic Sunda Caka Calendar Agama RI; (Proyek Pembinaan Badan Peradilan Agama Is-
and the length of synodic from astronomical calculation at lam) [in Indonesian]
the present is about 0.8 days.
[3] Anshori, Irfan; 2006; Tahun Berapakah Sekarang? (HU Piki-
Number Number ran Rakyat 9 Januari 2006 ?)
of days of Lunation Kabisat Basit
1 Windu 2835 96 3 5 [4] Aqil, Banadji (KH); 2008; Kalendar Urfi Tahun 0 s.d. 12000
5 Windu 14175 480 15 25 M/0 s.d. 12400 H
14 Windu 39690 1344 42 70
15 Windu 42524 1440 44 76 [5] Azhari, S.; 2008; Kalendar Jawa Islam Memadukan Tradisi
15 Windu * 42525 1440 45 75 dan Tuntutan Syariah; in Makalah Seminar Nasional,
150 Windu 425240 14400 440 760 Menelusuri Sejarah Penanggalan Nusantara 23 Februari
240 Windu 680384 23040 704 1216
2008, Fakultas Ilmu Budaya UGM; p191-208
300 Windu 850481 28800 89 1519
*(without correction)
[6] Darsono, R.; 2010; Penanggalan Islam, Tinjauan Sistem,
Fiqih dan Hisab Penanggalan; LABDA Press, Yogya
Number Length Psin –Length
of days of Synodic of Synodic
1 Windu 2835 29.53125 -0.06336 [7] Doggett; LE; 1992; Calendars; in Explanatory Supplement to
5 Windu 14175 29.53125 -0.3168 the Astronomical Almanac edited by P. Kenneth Seidelmann,
15 Windu 42524 29.53055556 +0.0496 University Science Books, CA; pp575-608
14 Windu 39690 29.53125 -0.88704
15 Windu * 42525 29.53125 -0.9504 [8] Espenak, F.; visited/download in 2015; Six Millennium Cata-
150 Windu 425240 29.53055556 +0.496 log of Phases of the Moon: Moon Phases from -1999 to
240 Windu 680384 29.53055556 +0.7936 +4000 (2000 BCE to 4000 CE);
300 Windu 850481 29.53059028 -0.008
http://astropixels.com/ephemeris/phasescat/phasescat.html
*(without correction)
[9] Espenak, F.; 2015; "Length of the Synodic Month Table
Using the rule of Java Lunar Calendar then it can be seen Courtesy of Fred Espenak, www.Astropixels.com"
the drift between the length of synodic Java Lunar Calendar
and the length of synodic from astronomical calculation at [10] Freeman -Grenville, GSP; 1963;The Muslim and Christian
the present is about 0.5 days. Calendars, Oxford University Press.

kabisat basit Num Days Lunation [11] Hawkins, G.S.; 1983; Mindsteps to the Cosmos; Harper&
Daur - 30 11 19 10631 360 Row Publishers, NY
30 Daur - 30 330 570 318930 10800
40 Daur - 30 440 760 425240 14400
[12] Kaleemur Rahman, Md; 1987; Perpentual Hijrah Calendar;
45 Daur - 30 495 855 478395 16200
80 Daur - 30 880 1520 850480 28800 Proceedings of the Second International Seminar on Qur'an
80 Daur - 30 + 1 days 881 1519 850481 28800 and Science, Karachi 17 June 1987, Pakistan Association of
Scientists and Scientific Professions, pp 85 - 96

Prosiding Seminar Astronomi dalam Budaya Nusantara, Yogyakarta, 25 Mei 2015

ISSN : XXXX-XXXX
Moedji Raharto / A Study the length of Synodic Periods of Several Lunar Calendar in Indonesia 9

[13] Katsir, A.; 1979; Matahari dan Bulan dengan Hisab (in In- [17] Raharto, M.; 2001; Sistem Penanggalan Syamsiah/Masehi;
donesian); Bina Ilmu, Surabaya, Jawa Timur, Indonesia Penerbit ITB

[14] Khazin, Muhyiddin; 2007; 150 tahun (1925 - 2075) Kalendar
Masehi - Hijriah ; Direktorat Urusan Agama Islam dan Pem-
binaan Syariah, Ditjen Bimas Islam Departemen Agama RI,
www.bimasislam.net [in Indonesian]
[15] Marsono; 2004; Sistem Penanggalan Sultan Agung; in Mem-
pertanyakan Jati Diri Bangsa edited by Sumijati Atmosudiro,
Yoyakarta, pp 227-248
[18] Sastramidjaja, A.; 1991; Sunda Calendar
[19] Sidelmann, P.K. (editor); 1992; Explanatory Supplement to
the Astronomical Almanac, University Science Books, CA;
p698
[20] Stephenson, F.R. and Baolin, L., 1991, The Length of the
Synodic Month, The Observatory III, 21-22

[16] Neugebauer, O.; 1969; The Exact Sciences in Antiquity, [21] Wells, R.A.; 1996; "Astronomy in Eqypt" in "Astronomy be-
Dover Publications, NY fore the telescope" edited by Chritopher Walker; British Mu-
seum Press; pp28-41

Prosiding Seminar Astronomi dalam Budaya Nusantara, Yogyakarta, 25 Mei 2015

ISSN : XXXX-XXXX

View publication stats