Latest news with #OmanSocietyofAstronomyandSpace
Muscat Daily
2 days ago
- Science
- Muscat Daily
Oman's astronomical heritage fuels modern space aspirations
Muscat – Oman's deep-rooted tradition in astronomy, once vital for agriculture, seafaring and daily life, is now helping lay the foundation for scientific advancement in the fields of astronomy and space science. At the heart of this effort is Oman Society of Astronomy and Space, which continues to promote astronomical awareness through public lectures, observation nights and collaboration with educational institutions. Its initiatives are aimed at nurturing scientific curiosity and integrating astronomy into school curricula, in line with the country's National Space Policy. Among the key facilities contributing to this effort is the Al Saa'a Observatory in Muscat. Often referred to as the Clock Observatory, it is used to study planetary motion and serves as a learning centre for students and astronomy enthusiasts. The society also supports researchers by providing access to material and resources needed to advance local astronomical studies. Historically, astronomy played a crucial role in Omani society. Traditional water-sharing systems, such as the falaj irrigation method, relied on sundials known as Al Lamd to schedule water distribution during the day. At night, farmers turned to the stars to manage shares, with celestial markers like Al Munsif signalling the halfway point of an athar, a unit of time roughly equal to 30 minutes. Oman's mountainous regions, such as Jabal Akhdar, illustrate how knowledge of solar angles was applied in terrace farming to optimise crop yield. Meanwhile, sailors used constellations to navigate the open sea. Names such as Ahmed bin Majid al Saadi and Nasser bin Ali al Khadhouri stand out among the many navigators who recorded their expertise in celestial navigation and maritime phenomena. Astronomy also influenced local sayings. The appearance of the star Suhail marks the beginning of cooler nights, as in the proverb: 'If Suhail appears, water and night cool down'. Another star – Al Kawi – signals the time to harvest wheat: 'When Al Kawi appears, cut and roast the wheat'. Dr Ishaq Yahya al Shuaili, Chairman of Oman Society of Astronomy and Space, believes these traditional insights serve as a bridge to modern science. He said that involving students early in astronomy education – through exposure to topics like satellites, meteorites and space missions – can foster interest and prepare the next generation of scientists. The society also organises practical activities such as observation camps, workshops and competitions. Shuaili said such experiences deepen students' understanding and help connect theory to real-world applications. He further highlighted the need for media support, including the production of documentaries and digital content to communicate the relevance of astronomy in sectors like agriculture, communication, navigation and disaster response. Board member Omar Hamdan al Hosni stressed the importance of teacher training in astronomy, calling it a strategic investment in building space awareness. He added that the global space sector is rapidly evolving, particularly with the rise of CubeSats and commercial space ventures, and Oman has positioned itself to keep pace with developments. As Oman looks skyward, it continues to draw strength from its heritage, linking centuries of star-based knowledge with future ambitions in space science.
Observer
02-07-2025
- Science
- Observer
Earth to reach its Aphelion in Oman Skies tomorrow
Muscat: The skies of the Sultanate of Oman will show a unique annual astronomical phenomenon tomorrow as the sun reaches aphelion (farthest point from the Sun) at 11:55 p.m, according to Oman Society of Astronomy and Space (OSAS). By Oman time, this represents the farthest point that the Earth reaches in its elliptical orbit around the sun. The distance between the Earth and the sun at this moment stands at approximately 152,087,738 kilometres, a difference of nearly 5 million kilometres from the closest point known as perihelion. Ibrahim Mohammed al Mahrouqi, Deputy Chairman of Oman Society for Astronomy and Space, said that the phenomena of aphelion and perihelion are linked to the nature of the Earth's orbit around the sun, which is actually not perfectly circular but rather elliptical in shape. This causes the distance between the Earth and the sun to keep changing throughout the year. Al Mahrouqi explained that, while the 'aphelion' occurs this year on July 4, while 'perihelion' will happen on January 3, 2026, when the Earth approaches the Sun at a distance estimated to be approximately 147,099,894 kilometres. Al Mahrouqi pointed out that OSAS continues to monitor and document these phenomena with the aim of raising astronomical awareness, simplifying astronomical concepts and linking them to our scientific and environmental reality.
Observer
11-05-2025
- Science
- Observer
Largest sunspot of 2025 observed in Oman
Muscat: One of the largest sunspots that have ever appeared on the sun's surface during the 25th solar cycle, known as Sunspot 4079, has been spotted in the skies of the Sultanate of Oman. The sunspot's size exceeded 11 times the size of planet Earth, Oman Society of Astronomy and Space (OSAS) said on Sunday. The giant sunspot was observable from the skies of Muscat Governorate using specialized astronomical equipment in a rare scene that reflects the peak of the ongoing solar activity. Wesal bint Salem al Hinai, Vice Chair of the Community Engagement Committee at OSAS, said: 'Sunspot 4079 represents 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 have a direct impact on Earth. She added : 'Sunspots are one of the most prominent phenomena associated with the sun's magnetic activity. They represent a crucial indicator for understanding the behaviour of our solar system's star and its multiple effects on planet Earth. The sun undergoes regular cycles of magnetic activity known as "solar cycles," each of which lasts an average of about 11 years. During these cycles, the sun's surface undergoes noticeable changes in the number of sunspots, the intensity of flares, and coronal mass ejections directly impacting space weather and the geomagnetic environment surrounding Earth.'
Observer
11-05-2025
- Science
- Observer
Sunspot 11 times the size of earth spotted over Muscat sky
Muscat: A massive sunspot, estimated to be 11 times the size of Earth, was observed over Muscat skies on Thursday morning, marking the largest solar blemish recorded so far in 2025. Captured by Ibrahim al Mahrouqi using specialised solar lenses, the image shows sunspot AR4079 dominating the solar surface. The photograph, taken on May 8, was shared by the Oman Society of Astronomy and Space and quickly drew attention for its clarity and scientific significance. The appearance of AR4079 follows a broader surge in solar activity in recent weeks, as sunspot numbers across the solar disk have exceeded projections. The Oman Society of Astronomy and Space noted that these increases are typical during the solar maximum phase and are often accompanied by strong solar flares and coronal mass ejections.
Times of Oman
28-02-2025
- Science
- Times of Oman
National Museum hosts symposium on documenting astronomical heritage
Muscat: The National Museum hosted today the "National Symposium on Documenting Omani Astronomical Heritage" in collaboration with the Oman Society of Astronomy and Space. The event was held under the auspices of Salem Mohammed Al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the National Museum. A number of researchers and enthusiasts in the field of astronomical heritage attended the event. The symposium aimed to bring together individuals interested in Omani astronomical heritage from various scientific disciplines, providing a platform to exchange knowledge and experiences on how to preserve and document this heritage, which is an integral part of Oman's rich history. Additionally, the symposium seeked to raise awareness about the significance of this heritage on the lives of Omanis and to introduce future generations to its profound and diverse aspects, including astronomical applications in agriculture, fishing, navigation, and the climate. Dr. Issa Yahya Al Shuaili, Chairman of Oman Society of Astronomy and Space, said in his speech: "This National Symposium highlights the Omani astronomical heritage as one of the important aspects of Oman's rich history, reflecting the depth of our ancestors' knowledge in astronomy and its significant role in forming their daily lives, whether in navigation, agriculture, the division of Aflaj (irrigation systems), and other fields". He added that preserving this scientific and cultural heritage is not only about documenting the past, but rather an essential step toward strengthening the national identity and leveraging the knowledge of our ancestors to develop modern studies in astronomy. This perspective aligns with the aspirations of Oman Vision 2040, which emphasizes the importance of identity, heritage, and culture as key elements in building the future, as well as enhancing research and innovation to serve as a fundamental pillar for community development. The Chairman of Oman Society of Astronomy and Space announced the launch of the national initiative to document Omani astronomical heritage, which aims to gather and document traditional knowledge about astronomy and highlight Omanis contributions in this field. He pointed out that this initiative is not about preserving heritage only, but also an opportunity to connect the past with the present and future, while addressing the loss of heritage whose sources are becoming scarce as its narrators and experts age. The symposium shed light on the importance of preserving this astronomical heritage within the framework of Oman Vision 2040, which prioritizes "preserving, documenting, and disseminating heritage globally", thereby enhancing the position of the Sultanate of Oman regionally and internationally. The need to highlight and document the research efforts of Omani scientists in this field was also emphasized, given the obscurity as a challenge to this heritage. The symposium included three sessions that covered various astronomical topics related to Omani astronomical heritage. In the first session, two important papers were presented, focusing on agricultural heritage. The first paper, "Distribution of Aflaj Using Stars", explored the relationship between astronomy and water distribution techniques in the Sultanate of Oman using the location of stars. The second paper, "Omani Navigators' Use of Zodiac Signs, Mansions, and Stars". The second session, discussed three maritime astronomical heritage. The first paper, "Distribution of Aflaj Using al-Lamad", explained how water is divided in traditional Omani irrigation systems (Aflaj) using celestial patterns. The second paper, "Stars, Fishing Seasons, and Sea Strikes as Defined by Omanis", clarified the significance of stars in determining fishing and sailing times. Additionally, the paper "Agricultural Astronomical Heritage: An Anthropological Study of the Astronomical Heritage of the Hobiot-speaking Communities in Dhofar Governorate, Sarfait Village" examined the relationship between astronomy and agriculture in Sarfait village. Another paper, titled "Astronomy and its Relationship with Weather and Climate in the Sultanate of Oman," was also presented. The third session covered topics related to astronomical calculations and manuscripts, including a paper that discussed "Astronomical Awareness Among Omanis: Sheikh Omar bin Masoud al-Manthri's Book and al-Hajri's letter as a Model," along with another paper titled "The Sidereal Year and the Calculation of the Cycle," which explored how Omanis used the stars to determine seasons and times of the year. Finally, the session concluded with the paper "Astronomy and Military Tactics among the Omanis." The symposium concluded with a series of recommendations, including emphasizing the importance of the national initiative to document Omani astronomical heritage and publishing related research widely. There was also a call to include Omani astronomical heritage in school curricula to enhance astronomical awareness among future generations and to strengthen the position of the Sultanate of Oman in the international astronomical arena.
