V. Conclusion

The new moon manisfests itself for a very brief period only, close to the horizon, and the conditons required for sighting to be possible are exacting. Sighting locations must therefore be carefully selected.

Predictions of the moon's position using present day lunar tables are sufficiently accurate for the purpose of sighting the new moon. An accuracy of 1 minute of arc, sufficient for invigational purposes, was achieved as far back as two centuries ago and this accuracy has improved by orders of magnitude with the advent of the computer.