Latest news with #AstronomicalObservatory
Al Etihad
31-07-2025
- Science
- Al Etihad
Abu Dhabi observatory captures image of interstellar object
31 July 2025 11:15 A. SREENIVASA REDDY (ABU DHABI)An Abu Dhabi-based astronomy centre has tracked an extraordinary comet hurtling through our solar system at an astonishing speed of 221,000 kilometres per hour—marking a rare interstellar visitor from Astronomical Observatory, located in the Abu Dhabi desert, captured images of the comet on the evening of July 3, according to Eng. Mohammad Shawkat Odeh, Director of the International Astronomy Center. Speaking to Aletihad, he confirmed that this makes the observatory the first Arab facility to conduct scientific observations of this celestial comet was initially discovered by NASA on July 1, using the ATLAS survey system and its telescope in Chile. Originally designated 'A11pl3Z,' it was later named 'C/2025 N1 (ATLAS)' and has now been formally classified as '3I/ATLAS'. The prefix '3I' signifies its distinction as only the third known interstellar object — meaning it originated outside our solar system. The first, 'Oumuamua', was detected in 2017, followed by 2I/Borisov in Odeh noted that the comet, currently located 670 million kilometres from the Sun, is travelling at a velocity too great to be gravitationally bound to our solar system. 'Experts were able to determine that it originated outside the solar system due to its extreme speed and its open trajectory, as it does not orbit the Sun,' he the comet was technically demanding due to its faint brightness, with a current visual magnitude of 17.5. It is only visible through large telescopes. Despite this, the observatory team succeeded in capturing 45 images during a 45-minute observation window. 'The team observed the comet moving among the stars at high speed,' Eng. Odeh said, adding that the object is in the yellow box in the captured image displayed from the Abu Dhabi observatory has been submitted to the Minor Planet Center (MPC) of the International Astronomical Union (IAU), further marking the region's growing role in global space Odeh said the comet will make its closest approach to the Sun on October 30, 2025, at a distance of 210 million kilometres. It poses no danger to Earth, with its nearest approach to our planet expected to be 240 million kilometres confirmed that the comet was first detected coming from direction of the Sagittarius constellation, home to the centre of the Milky Way galaxy. According to a NASA statement, '3I/ATLAS should remain visible to ground-based telescopes through September, after which it will pass too close to the Sun to observe. It is expected to reappear on the other side of the Sun by early December, allowing for renewed observations.'Astronomers around the world are now racing to better understand its physical properties. Jonathan McDowell, an astronomer at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, said the visible fuzziness of the object suggests it is made mostly of ice, not Moissl, head of planetary defence at the European Space Agency, confirmed its trajectory 'means it's not orbiting our star, but coming from interstellar space and flying off to there again.' He added that it is currently estimated to be 10 to 20 kilometres wide, potentially making it the largest interstellar object ever Harvard astronomer and alien technology theorist Avi Loeb has floated the idea that 3I/ATLAS could be an alien probe sent to us by an intelligent civilisation. He also suggested that we could use an existing spacecraft to intercept the object's path to understand its nature. In a paper, the researcher argued that NASA's Juno spacecraft, which was designed to study Jupiter and launched in 2011, could get close to 3I/ATLAS by March 14, 2026. But NASA is yet to deliver its opinion on the feasibility of this idea.
TAG 91.1
11-06-2025
- Science
- TAG 91.1
UAE astronomers detect exoplanets orbiting distant stars
UAE astronomers have reportedly detected the existence of exoplanets orbiting stars far beyond our solar system, the Abu-Dhabi based International Astronomy Centre announced. Al Khatem Astronomical Observatory, located deep in the Abu Dhabi desert, analysed subtle changed in the brightness of stars to detect the transit of planets in front of them - a technique used to discover exoplanets - in cooperation with the NASA Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) mission. His Excellency Eng. Khalfan Al Nuaimi, Chairman of the International Astronomy Center, said the detection of these planets is based on preliminary data provided by the TESS telescope, and is being verified on Earth through a global network of specialised observatories. Eng. Mohammed Shawkat Awda, Director of the International Astronomy Center, said that the Al Khatim Observatory officially joined the TESS Follow-Up Observing Program (TFOP) program in June 2024, after completing a rigorous training program conducted by international experts, followed by a successful practical test to observe one of the candidate planets. He explained that since joining, it has conducted a series of nighttime observations, each lasting between four and seven hours, focusing on 12 stars suspected of having planets. He noted that using its main telescope, it was able to transform the status of 10 of these stars from "candidate planets" to "confirmed planets," an achievement that demonstrates the precision of the observatory's research. Official documents from the Global Programme indicate that the Khatem Observatory achieved these results independently, reflecting the efficiency of its equipment and the accuracy of the observations it provides, especially in light of the environmental challenges facing ground-based observations. Awda emphasized that this contribution represents an important scientific step for the UAE in the field of space exploration, placing it in a leading position in the search for planets that may be habitable, or providing new insights into the formation and evolution of planets in distant galaxies.
Hindustan Times
27-05-2025
- General
- Hindustan Times
Eid-ul-Adha 2025: UAE sights Dhul Hijjah 1446 AH crescent moon; reveals Bakrid date for Dubia, other cities in Emirates
The UAE has announced that Wednesday, May 28, 2025 marks the beginning of Dhul Hijjah 1446 AH, following the successful sighting of the crescent moon on Tuesday evening, which sets the stage for Eid ul-Adha or Eid-ul-Azha (also known as Bakra Eid, Bakrid, Bakhreid, Eid-ul-Zuha, Eid al-Adha, Eid Qurban, Qurban Bayarami or the Feast of Sacrifice). It will be celebrated in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and other cities of the Emirates on Friday, June 06, 2025, in line with Islamic tradition, as the festival always falls on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah. Arafat Day will be observed the day before i.e. on Thursday, June 05, 2025. Earlier, the Al Khatm Astronomical Observatory in the Abu Dhabi desert captured the earliest images of the crescent on May 27, with photos taken at 7:05 am, 11:00 am and 3:15 am UAE time. These images showcased the moon's gradual movement away from the sun, affirming the start of the sacred month. The official declaration was later confirmed by the relevant authorities. Eid ul-Adha is a time of reflection and spiritual renewal as it serves as a reminder to all Muslims of the importance of faith, devotion and submission to God's will while fostering a sense of unity and inclusivity as people from diverse backgrounds come together to celebrate this joyous occasion. The festival not only strengthens the bonds within families and communities but also encourages acts of charity and kindness that are the core principles of Islam. It is a time of great joy, unity and gratitude for Muslims across the globe when families come together and communities gather to celebrate this auspicious occasion. Muslims dress in their finest clothes, often new garments and attend special congregational prayers at mosques or outdoor prayer grounds. The sermon during the Eid-ul-Adha prayers emphasises the values of sacrifice, obedience to God and compassion for others while one of the central rituals of Eid ul-Adha is the qurbani or the sacrifice of a cattle, usually a goat, sheep, cow or camel. This act symbolises Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son and demonstrates the importance of selflessness and devotion to God. The meat from the sacrificed animal is then divided into three parts: one for the family, one for relatives and friends and one for the less fortunate as sharing the meat with those in need is a fundamental aspect of Eid ul-Adha. This ritual fosters compassion, generosity and solidarity within communities. As a commemoration of Prophet Ibrahim's absolute dedication to Allah, Eid ul-Adha is celebrated by Muslims all around the world in the month of Dhu al-Hijjah Dhul Hijjah is the twelfth or last month of the Islamic lunar calendar and it is the second major Islamic festival celebrated by Muslims after Eid-ul-Fitr. The beginning of the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah marks the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia, which is one of Islam's five pillars and is followed by Eid Al Adha on the tenth day. Hajj is the pilgrimage that every Muslim must make at least once in their lifetime if they are able.
Egypt Today
15-04-2025
- Science
- Egypt Today
6.5-Meter mirror telescope to boost Egypt's astronomical observation capabilities
Kottamia Astronomical Observatory – The Best Places of Egypt Face Book Page CAIRO - 14 April 2025: Egypt is racing against time to complete the construction of its new astronomical observatory, poised to be the largest in the Middle East and a replacement for the Kottamia Astronomical Observatory. The latter's effectiveness has been compromised by surrounding urban development, necessitating the establishment of this ambitious new project. Before detailing the new observatory, it's important to note the history of the Kottamia Astronomical Observatory, established in 1964. It is affiliated with the National Research Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics (NRIAG) in Helwan, extending from the Helwan Observatory founded in 1903, making NRIAG one of the oldest research institutions in Egypt and the Middle East. Kottamia Observatory houses the largest telescope in the Arab world, the Middle East, and North Africa, with a primary mirror diameter of 188 cm. The observatory also includes a smaller telescope with a mirror diameter of approximately 35 cm. The Kottamia Astronomical Observatory is located about 80 km from the center of Cairo towards Suez on the Ain Sokhna road, situated atop a mountain 468 meters above sea level. The new observatory, the focus of this article, has been strategically located atop Mount Al-Rujum in South Sinai, one of the twenty highest mountain peaks in Egypt, with an altitude exceeding 1600 meters. Prime Minister's Decree No. 2265 of 2016 formed a committee for the observatory's establishment, and the foundation stone was laid in April 2024. The observatory's team includes Dr. Hadia Selim, head of the Sinai Astronomical Telescope Committee, Dr. Yousry Azzam, Dr. Mohamed Ismail, Dr. Mohamed Abdel Karim, Dr. Wagih Ahmed Badawy, and Dr. Abdelaziz Eid, along with technicians Ahmed Hassan, Awad Saber, Mohamed Ali, Mahmoud Nasser, and Mahmoud Khalil. At the summit of Mount Al-Rujum in South Sinai, site testing equipment has been installed for the new "Sinai" Astronomical Observatory, a crucial project undertaken by NRIAG to serve as a successor to the existing Kottamia Observatory and its network of monitoring stations. Following the installation of initial testing equipment, the plan for the new astronomical center includes deploying more precise instruments to measure climate factors, preliminary observation parameters, and analyze the collected data. This analysis will confirm the findings of initial studies conducted to ensure the correct site selection. Site testing will span two years, during which comprehensive observations will be taken throughout the different seasons. Astronomical observation requires locations far from light pollution and at high altitudes, hence the selection of Mount Al-Rujum at an elevation of 1650 meters above sea level. The installation of testing equipment involved experts and professors from NRIAG and is monitored around the clock. Data from these instruments is received via satellites and analyzed by NRIAG's equipment in Helwan to verify the suitability of the site for the new astronomical observatory. The new observatory is slated to be equipped with a telescope featuring a primary mirror diameter of 6.5 meters, making it the largest of its kind in the Middle East. This will significantly enhance Egypt's astronomical observation capabilities, enabling further astronomical discoveries. Plans also include the establishment of an integrated astronomical city encompassing optical and radio astronomy, with the addition of other specializations in this field based on the rapid global technological advancements in astronomy.
