Latest news with #Al-KhatimAstronomicalObservatory
Khaleej Times
05-04-2025
- Science
- Khaleej Times
UAE astronomers to help confirm discovery of comet in first Arab observation
An Abu Dhabi-based observatory captured images of Comet SWAN25F on April 5. With astronomers still confirming its discovery, the observations made by the Al-Khatim Astronomical Observatory will contribute to accurately determining its orbit. Observations were conducted to accurately determine the comet's location, which changes over time. The comet was discovered just a few days ago, and has not yet been given a permanent name or number. The Abu Dhabi astronomers' observations were sent to the International Astronomical Union and have now been included in the observation database. To date, these are the only Arab observations in the database. The comet's current brightness is 12th magnitude, meaning it can only be seen through a telescope. The comet, as seen above, appears as a large dot, with stars around it seen as lines due to the comet's rapid movement. This image is 8 minutes long, consisting of eight images, each one minute long, according to the International Astronomical Centre. Abu Dhabi
Dubai Eye
30-03-2025
- Science
- Dubai Eye
UAE to use AI-driven drones for Shawwal crescent moon sighting
The UAE Council for Fatwa will use several AI-powered drones from the Al-Khatim Astronomical Observatory for the Shawwal moon sighting. Earlier this year, the UAE used the drones for the crescent moon sighting to mark the beginning of Ramadan, becoming the first in the world to do so. The drones will be equipped with high-precision lenses that will rise more than 300 metres above ground, directed towardsthe location of the moon based on precise astronomical calculations, national news agency Wam reported. The council selected the historic Al-Hosn landmark as the location for the committee's meeting, drawing inspiration from its national and cultural significance. Five advanced national observatories, strategically distributed across the country, have been equipped with the latest smart technologies. The observatories include: Al-Khatim Astronomical Observatory (Marṣad al-Khatim al-Falakī), Jabal Hafeet Observatory (Marṣad Jabal Ḥafīt), Dubai Crescent Observatory (Marṣad Dubayy li-l-Ahilla), Sharjah Astronomical Observatory (Marṣad al-Shāriqa al-Falakī) and Ras Al Khaimah Observatory (Marṣad Rās al-Khaimah). These observatories will ensure the accuracy of the sighting process the highest levels of efficiency in observation. This approach aims to overcome challenges that may obstruct visual sighting and ensure the atmospheric clarity needed for accurate observation. Additionally, innovative AI-powered technologies will be used to analyse images, process data, and determine the location of the crescent's birth and the possibility of its visibility with precision. The AI-backed drones will complement traditional methods of crescent sighting, Wam added.
Khaleej Times
07-03-2025
- Science
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Stunning image of Witch Head Nebula captured in Abu Dhabi
A mesmerising image of the Witch Head Nebula, scientifically known as IC 2118, was captured by the Al-Khatim Astronomical Observatory in Abu Dhabi. The stunning photo, taken after an intense nearly 39-hour imaging session, offers a breathtaking glimpse into the heart of this distant cosmic wonder. Located approximately 900 light years away in the Eridanus constellation, the Witch Head Nebula is a reflection nebula — an interstellar cloud of gas and dust that reflects the light of a nearby star. In this case, the star Rigel, one of the brightest in our night sky, serves as the illuminating source. The nebula's iconic blue hue comes from the light of Rigel, whose intense radiation and stellar winds interact with the surrounding gas and dust, creating a distinctive glow. The Witch Head Nebula's intriguing shape, which resembles the face of a witch with a long, pointed nose, is the result of these powerful stellar forces sculpting the gas clouds. The nebula is believed to contain star-forming regions, with studies suggesting evidence of new stars forming within it. Capturing this stunning image wasn't an easy feat. The observatory team spent 38.6 hours collecting 463 separate photographs, each lasting five minutes. The team used a 5-inch telescope equipped with a color camera and a light pollution filter, all while battling the challenges posed by a light pollution level of Bortle 6 at their observation site
Khaleej Times
28-02-2025
- General
- Khaleej Times
Look: First image of Ramadan crescent captured in UAE
The holy month of Ramadan will begin on March 1 in the UAE as also in many countries of the world after the sighting of the crescent. The Al-Khatim Astronomical Observatory in Abu Dhabi captured the first image of the Ramadan crescent in the Islamic World in the evening of Friday, February 28, 2025. Earlier, the UAE had called on all Muslims to sight the crescent for Ramadan, the Emirates Fatwa Council announced on Wednesday. The sighting of the crescent signals the start of the next month according to the Hijri calendar, meaning the month of Shaban has ended at 29 days.
