Science Supporting Faith – Crescent Moon Sighting
The AstroXMat Research Lab, within the Department of Physics and led by Dr. Linus Kweku Labik, provided technical expertise to the National Hilal Committee in Kumasi in support of the crescent moon sighting for the commencement of the holy month of Ramadan. The exercise formed part of the Lab’s ongoing commitment to applying scientific knowledge in service to the community.
In addition to the observational activities, Lab members engaged with young members of the Muslim community, offering educational insights into astronomical phenomena and fostering interest in the scientific study of the universe.
This collaboration between Dr. Labik and the National Hilal Committee has been sustained since 2022. The initiative also received support from Dr. Cyril D. Boateng, Head of the West African Geophysics Laboratory (WAGeo Lab), further reflecting interdisciplinary cooperation within the Department.
The AstroXMat Research Lab hosts postgraduate students conducting research in areas spanning Astronomy and Astrophysics, as well as Lithium-Ion Battery Systems and their applications. The Lab’s interdisciplinary approach reflects its commitment to advancing both fundamental scientific inquiry and applied energy research.
Dr. Linus Kweku Labik, who transitioned from a background in Materials Science into Astronomy and Astrophysics, leads research focused on understanding the evolution of porosity in dust grains within protoplanetary disks. This work contributes to the broader effort to unravel the physical processes underlying planet formation, particularly the early-stage growth and structural transformation of solid particles in circumstellar environments.
