Latest news with #ArabUnionforAstronomyandSpaceSciences
Biz Bahrain
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Biz Bahrain
Bahrain Space Agency participates in Middle East space law launch event
The Bahrain Space Agency participated as a keynote speaker at the launch of the Middle East Space Law and Legislation Committee, under the Arab Union for Astronomy and Space Sciences (AUASS), held under the patronage of Professor Hamid Majul Al Nuaimi, President of the Union. The event discussed the Middle East's role in global space governance, the potential of legal frameworks to support strategic opportunities, and the importance of space law in fostering international cooperation. Representing the agency, Rasha Al Emad, Head of Strategic Planning, delivered a presentation outlining the Kingdom of Bahrain's efforts in developing a national regulatory framework for space. She highlighted the importance of such frameworks in shaping Arab space governance and concluded with insights to support Arab countries in drafting their own national legislation. Mohamed Ibrahim Al Aseeri, CEO of the Bahrain Space Agency, noted the agency's ongoing efforts to raise awareness on space law in the Arab world and to foster knowledge exchange in line with its strategic objectives. Al Emad added that the evolving global space sector now includes a wider range of actors beyond major powers, stressing that legal framework are central to innovation, investment, safety, and international cooperation. She highlighted Bahrain's progress, from the royal decree establishing the agency, to ratifying UN treaties, joining international agreements such as the Artemis Accords, and drafting national legislation covering licensing, liability, insurance, spectrum use, and orbital debris. The Arab Union for Astronomy and Space Sciences (AUASS), founded in 1998 in Amman, Jordan, works to advance space and astronomy sciences in the Arab world by organising workshops and seminars, and strengthening collaboration with academic and research institutions. BNA(R)
Gulf Today
13-05-2025
- General
- Gulf Today
June 6 first day of Eid Al-Adha, says Emirates Astronomy Society
Eid Al-Adha will coincide with Friday, June 6th, according to Ibrahim Al Jarwan, chairman of the Board of Directors of the Emirates Astronomy Society and a member of the Arab Union for Astronomy and Space Sciences. Al Jarwan noted that official holidays are determined based on approvals from the Cabinet or decisions issued by relevant authorities. It is expected that Eid Al-Adha holiday will last 4 days, starting from the Day of Arafah and including the 10th, 11th, and 12th of Dhul Hijjah. In statements to Al Khaleej, he added that, based on the above, Wednesday, May 28th, will be the first day of Dhul Hijjah. Therefore, the Hajj season will begin on Wednesday, June 4th, when pilgrims will head to Mina after sunrise on the Day of Tarwiyah, spending the entire day and night there. Thursday, June 5th, he added, will be the Day of Arafat, when pilgrims gather on Arafat. Friday June 6th, 2025, will be the Day of Sacrifice and Eid Al-Adha.
Gulf Today
26-04-2025
- Science
- Gulf Today
Sharjah skies witness rare astronomical phenomenon called 22° Halo
Ibrahim Al Jarwan, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Emirates Astronomical Society and a member of the Arab Union for Astronomy and Space Sciences, announced the appearance of a circular halo around the sun in the sky of Sharjah on Saturday afternoon, known as the 22° Halo. Al Jarwan explained in a statement to Al Khaleej newspaper that this circular halo is an optical phenomenon resulting from the refraction of sunlight through ice crystals present in thin, high clouds, such as cirrus clouds. He added that high clouds consist of hexagonal ice crystals and when sunlight passes through these crystals, it refracts at a specific angle (approximately 22 degrees). As a result of this refraction, a circular ring of light appears around the sun (or the moon at night), referred to as the 22-Degree Halo. Al Jarwan noted that this phenomenon may indicate changes in the weather, such as the approach of a low-pressure system or rainfall within a day or two, especially if followed by denser clouds. "The circular halo around the sun was likely observed in several areas across the UAE, as high clouds generally covered most parts of the country during the day on Saturday," he added. He also mentioned that the circular halo is usually white but sometimes has faint edges of red on the inside and violet on the outside, similar to the colours of a rainbow.
Khaleej Times
26-04-2025
- Science
- Khaleej Times
UAE weather: Season marking begining of intense heat to start within days
The season marking the onset of intense heat in the UAE and the Arabian Peninsula will start on April 29 and continue until June 7, according to the Emirates Astronomy Society. During this time, which is called the "Kanna of Thuraya" season, the Pleiades (Thuraya) cluster becomes hidden below sunset behind the redness of the setting sun on the western horizon by the end of April and remains obscured within the sun's glare for about 40 days. Based on celestial calculations, Thuraya disappears at the end of April and reappears at the beginning of June. The Kanna season marks an important phase for Arabs in the Arabian Peninsula as it is the beginning of intense heat. It signifies a transitional stage between the start of summer and the peak of its heat, said Ibrahim Al-Jarwan, Chairman of the Emirates Astronomy Society and member of the Arab Union for Astronomy and Space Sciences. Temperatures during this season, which has been recognised through centuries of observation, regularly exceed 38°C, accompanied by low humidity, frequent dry northwesterly winds known as "Al-Bawareh," and rising dust storms. The Pleiades cluster remains one of the most celebrated astronomical features across ancient civilizations, appearing as a tight grouping of stars and referred to as the "Seven Sisters" by the Greeks and "Subaru" by the Japanese.
Gulf Today
03-04-2025
- Science
- Gulf Today
6th June will be the first day of Eid Al Adha, predicts Arab astronomy body
Ibrahim Al Jarwan, Chairman of the Emirates Astronomical Society and member of the Arab Union for Astronomy and Space Sciences, stated that the crescent moon of the month of Dhu Al Hijjah will be born on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at 7:02am. UAE time. He added that at sunset, the moon will be approximately 12 hours old and will remain above the horizon for about 38 minutes after sunset. Al Jarwan indicated that the crescent moon is likely to be visible on the evening of that day. Therefore, Wednesday, May 28, 2025, will be the first day of Dhu Al-Hijjah, and Friday, June 6, 2025, will be Eid Al Adha, according to astronomical calculations, given that the official dates of religious occasions are announced by the competent authorities in accordance with Sharia regulations.
