Sighting the Moon of Eid

Q: Today is the 29th of Ramadhaan. It is waajib for a party to observe the sky for the visibility of the moon according to all schools of thought.  Now it is said by astronomical scientists that tonight it is not possible to see it. Do we go and look for the moon in accordance with the teachings of the Sunnah or abandon this Sunnah? Now suppose a group of 2,3,4,5, of reliable, good Muslims come from the village and they testify that they have seen the moon, tonight what do you do?

Keeping a Beard

Q: With regards to keeping a beard. It is Waajib? Does this ruling only apply to the Hanafi madhab? I have a family member who follows Imam Shafi'ee and he would like to know the ruling.