Latest news with #InternationalAstronomicalSearchCollaboration
Muscat Daily
19-05-2025
- Science
- Muscat Daily
OSAS promotes astronomy and science outreach in Tanzania
Muscat – Oman Space and Astronomical Society (OSAS) has successfully completed a visit to Tanzania aimed at promoting astronomy, moonsighting standardisation and citizen science outreach. Led by OSAS board member Abdulwahab Sulaiman al Busaidi and UK-based expert in Islamic moonsighting Ibrahim Jaafar, the visit included lectures, meetings with religious scholars, and strategic partnerships with government and religious institutions. The lectures covered topics ranging from galaxy formation to satellite communications, highlighting astronomy's role in national development and youth empowerment through citizen science. Speaking to Muscat Daily, Busaidi, who delivered a lecture titled 'Astronomy and Faith: Bridging Science and Islam', said, 'Our goal was not only to share knowledge but to plant the seeds of long-term collaboration in space science between Oman and Tanzania. Faith and science are not opposites. When aligned, they enhance our understanding of the universe and enrich spiritual practices.' The delegation's itinerary included key academic institutions, such as Zanzibar State University, Karume Institute of Science and Technology and Sumait University. A major highlight of the visit was a presentation on moonsighting and astronomy at Zanzibar Grand Mosque, where Busaidi discussed the Islamic importance of unified lunar observations using scientific tools. The visit also included a high-profile event at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre in Dar es Salaam attended by senior officials – Oman's Ambassador to Tanzania H E Saud al Shidhani and the Deputy Mufti of Tanzania. The event also featured a meeting with President Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi of Zanzibar. 'Tanzania has the potential to become a space science leader in Africa. This is not just science diplomacy – it's a shared vision of enlightenment,' said Busaidi. He added that the visit included a proposal to establish the Zanzibar Astronomy and Space Society and involve Tanzanian students in NASA's International Astronomical Search Collaboration.
Observer
15-02-2025
- Science
- Observer
Omani scientist makes historic space discovery
MUSCAT, FEB 15 In a groundbreaking achievement, Omani astro scientist Khalfan bin Hamad al Malki has become the first member of the Oman Astronomical and Space Society to make a preliminary detection of a near-Earth object (P226gRJ). His discovery has been officially recorded by Nasa, granting him the unique honour of naming the celestial body. This recognition highlights Oman's growing presence in global space research, thanks to the continuous efforts of the Oman Astronomical and Space Society. The discovery comes as part of Nasa's ongoing mission to identify near-Earth asteroids — small, irregular, rocky objects left over from the formation of the solar system. As a reward for his contribution, Khalfan and other participants in the project will receive an official certificate from Nasa. The discovery was made through the International Astronomical Search Collaboration (IASC), a citizen science programme that distributes time-lapse images of the sky to researchers worldwide. These images allow scientists to identify and track main belt asteroids, near-Earth objects and trans-Neptunian objects. Speaking to Observer, Dr Al Malki expressed his excitement over the achievement. 'The feeling is indescribable. Discovering a celestial body and being able to name it is an extraordinary moment. I am grateful to the Oman Astronomical and Space Society for this opportunity. Oman, God willing, will continue making significant contributions to space science.' The IASC's Asteroid Search Campaigns enable global citizen scientists to make original astronomical discoveries. Each campaign runs for a month, during which participants analyse data and search for new asteroids. With this latest achievement, Oman continues to carve a name for itself in the realm of space exploration, paving the way for future discoveries in astronomy and space sciences.
