Latest news with #OSAS
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.
Zawya
19-05-2025
- Science
- Zawya
Oman: Star Park in Jabel Shams to promote scientific tourism
The Environment Authority recently signed a contract to establish the Star Park project in Jebel Shams, Al Hamra, with the Omani Society for Astronomy and Space (OSAS), which includes a permanent astronomical and environmental camp for scientific tourism. Ali bin Amer Al Shaibani, a member of the Board of Directors of the Omani Society for Astronomy and Space, said: "This community-based astronomical environmental project is the first of its kind in the region. It is the culmination of years of efforts, including more than 15 field visits to the site, the preparation of technical and financial studies, and designs inspired by the Omani environment, in addition to the development of a long-term sustainability plan. He considered this step a national achievement in the context of promoting scientific tourism, supporting innovation in the fields of astronomy and the environment, and motivating young people to invest in knowledge and experience. He emphasized that Oman's mountainous environment deserves to be a platform for pioneering scientific and tourism experiences." The project is expected to host diverse programs and activities, becoming an international tourist and scientific destination, including awareness campaigns and programs, workshops, astronomical observation evenings, and scientific lectures, in addition to serving as a platform for showcasing the experiences of amateurs and specialists. The project's architectural design is in harmony with the environmental identity of the site. The exterior is inspired by the juniper tree, an endangered perennial Omani tree that grows high in the Western Hajar Mountains. The proposed project site is located within the Western Hajar Starlight Reserve in Jebel Shams, Al Dakhiliyah Governorate. This natural area boasts stunning views, a moderate climate in the summer and a cool climate in the winter, and a unique nighttime view of the Milky Way. 2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Observer
18-05-2025
- Science
- Observer
Star Park in Jabel Shams to promote scientific tourism
The Environment Authority recently signed a contract to establish the Star Park project in Jebel Shams, Al Hamra, with the Omani Society for Astronomy and Space (OSAS), which includes a permanent astronomical and environmental camp for scientific tourism. Ali bin Amer Al Shaibani, a member of the Board of Directors of the Omani Society for Astronomy and Space, said: "This community-based astronomical environmental project is the first of its kind in the region. It is the culmination of years of efforts, including more than 15 field visits to the site, the preparation of technical and financial studies, and designs inspired by the Omani environment, in addition to the development of a long-term sustainability plan. He considered this step a national achievement in the context of promoting scientific tourism, supporting innovation in the fields of astronomy and the environment, and motivating young people to invest in knowledge and experience. He emphasized that Oman's mountainous environment deserves to be a platform for pioneering scientific and tourism experiences." The project is expected to host diverse programs and activities, becoming an international tourist and scientific destination, including awareness campaigns and programs, workshops, astronomical observation evenings, and scientific lectures, in addition to serving as a platform for showcasing the experiences of amateurs and specialists. The project's architectural design is in harmony with the environmental identity of the site. The exterior is inspired by the juniper tree, an endangered perennial Omani tree that grows high in the Western Hajar Mountains. The proposed project site is located within the Western Hajar Starlight Reserve in Jebel Shams, Al Dakhiliyah Governorate. This natural area boasts stunning views, a moderate climate in the summer and a cool climate in the winter, and a unique nighttime view of the Milky Way.
Gulf Insider
12-05-2025
- Science
- Gulf Insider
Largest Sunspot of 2025 Observed From Oman
Members of the Oman Society for Astronomy and Space (OSAS) observed one of the largest sunspots to appear on the sun's surface during the 25th solar cycle, known as Sunspot 4079. The sunspot's size exceeded 11 times the size of planet Earth. Observers were able to clearly photograph this spot from the skies over Muscat Governorate using specialised astronomical equipment, in a rare scene that reflects the peak of solar activity currently being experienced by the sun. Wesal bint Salem Al Hinai, Vice Chair of the Community Engagement Committee at the OSAS, said: 'Sunspot 4079 is one of the largest phenomena we have observed during the current solar cycle. Photographing it from the Sultanate of Oman is a scientific and astronomical achievement that highlights the OSAS's efforts to monitor cosmic phenomena that directly impact Earth. This requires community awareness of the risks of space weather and its potential impact on communications, navigation, and energy systems.' She added: 'Sunspots are one of the most prominent phenomena associated with the Sun's magnetic activity. They represent a crucial indicator in understanding the behavior of our solar system's star and its multiple effects on Earth. The Sun undergoes regular cycles of magnetic activity known as 'solar cycles,' each lasting an average of about 11 years. During these cycles, the Sun's surface undergoes significant changes in the number of sunspots, the intensity of flares, and coronal mass ejections, which directly impact space weather and the geomagnetic environment surrounding Earth.' Sunspots are the most visible manifestation of this cycle, increasing in frequency as solar activity increases and decreasing toward the end of the cycle. Currently, the Sun is experiencing the peak of the 25th solar cycle, which began in December 2019. This is a phase of intense magnetic disturbance during which the number of sunspots is markedly increased. A daily average of about 215.5 sunspots was recorded in August 2024, the highest in more than two decades, indicating that the 25th solar cycle may have peaked earlier than expected. In late February In 2025, the sun erupted a powerful solar flare, detected by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory. These flares are classified as Class X flares, the most intense. This event was followed by a coronal mass ejection, which triggered a geomagnetic storm that reached Earth in April 2025, causing auroras across large areas of mid-latitudes and partially impacting high-frequency radio communications systems. In May 2025, the sun showed another unprecedented surge of activity, with the number of sunspots exceeding previous predictions, indicating a peak that may be the strongest in decades. This activity is accompanied by powerful solar flares and coronal mass ejections, potentially leading to geomagnetic storms that could impact Earth. This cycle is expected to continue until 2030, with solar activity gradually declining after the peak. One of the most prominent historical phenomena associated with extreme solar activity is the Carrington Effect, the most powerful solar storm documented in modern times. It occurred in 1859. On September 1 of that year, British astronomer Richard Carrington observed a powerful solar flare emanating from a massive sunspot. Within 24 hours, high-energy solar particles reached Earth, causing a widespread magnetic storm. Auroras were observed in unusual locations, such as the Caribbean, and its effects were even felt in Hong Kong and Rome. The storm also disrupted telegraph networks and caused fires due to electrical sparks. This event serves as an early warning of the potential dangers of solar storms in an age of heavy reliance on technology, such as satellites, electricity grids, and communications. Also read: 12 Foreigners Arrested in Oman for Violating Labour, Residency Laws
Muscat Daily
11-05-2025
- Science
- Muscat Daily
Sunspot 11 times larger than earth spotted from Oman
Muscat – Astronomers in Oman have observed the largest sunspot of 2025, capturing rare images of the massive dark patch on the Sun's surface, which measures more than 11 times the size of Earth. The sighting was made by the Oman Society for Astronomy and Space (OSAS) on the morning of May 8 using specialised telescopic equipment positioned in the skies over Muscat. Identified as Sunspot 4079, the phenomenon is part of the heightened solar activity associated with Solar Cycle 25, the current phase in the Sun's 11-year magnetic cycle. 'This sunspot represents one of the largest phenomena we have documented in the current solar cycle,' said Wisal bint Salim al Hinai, Deputy Head of the Community Outreach Committee at OSAS. 'Capturing it from Oman is a remarkable scientific achievement that highlights our ongoing efforts to monitor space phenomena that directly impact Earth.' Sunspots are regions of intense magnetic activity that appear darker because they are cooler than their surroundings. Sunspot 4079 offers astronomers important clues about solar flares and coronal mass ejections – bursts of solar energy that can interfere with satellite communications, GPS systems, and power grids on Earth. According to Hinai, the observation helps scientists better understand the potential risks of solar storms. The latest surge in solar activity has already led to several disruptions. In February, the Sun released an X-class solar flare, followed by a coronal mass ejection that triggered geomagnetic storms in April. These storms lit up skies with auroras in unusual latitudes and disrupted radio communications. Solar Cycle 25, which began in December 2019, has exceeded earlier forecasts in terms of intensity.
