Latest news with #OmaniSocietyforAstronomyandSpace
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.
Observer
19-03-2025
- Science
- Observer
Vernal equinox in Oman will begin today
MUSCAT: The vernal equinox in the Sultanate of Oman will begin today, March 20, marking the astronomical commencement of spring, according to the Oman Society for Astronomy and Space. Astronomical calculations indicate that this year's vernal equinox will occur at 1:07 PM Muscat time. "At this moment, the sun will be positioned directly over the equator. In the Muscat Governorate, the sun will rise at 6:11 AM, reach its zenith at 12:14 PM and set at 6:18 PM. On this day, day and night will be approximately equal in length across most of the world, with the duration of daylight reaching 12 hours, 7 minutes and 24 seconds in Muscat Governorate, Asma bint Salem al Farsiyah, a member of the Omani Society for Astronomy and Space, said. This phenomenon arises due to the Earth's axis being tilted at an angle of 23.5 degrees as it orbits the sun, resulting in varying levels of solar radiation between the two hemispheres throughout the year. While the vernal equinox approximates equal day and night, the precise moment of equal day and night for the Sultanate of Oman occurred on March 15. "The vernal equinox typically falls on the 20th, 21st, or 22nd of March, as the calendar year does not perfectly align with the tropical year," Asma said. Leap days are implemented to realign the calendar with the tropical year. On this day, the sun transitions from the southern hemisphere to the northern hemisphere, signifying the start of spring in the northern hemisphere and autumn in the southern hemisphere. The sun rises precisely at 90 degrees east and sets precisely west, aiding in directional orientation. At the poles, this marks the beginning of six months of daylight at the North Pole and six months of darkness at the South Pole. Following the vernal equinox, daylight hours will gradually lengthen until the summer solstice. Spring is traditionally the season for planting, as the ground warms and daylight hours increase, fostering crop growth. The vernal equinox is one of four annual astronomical events that delineate the seasons, alongside the summer solstice, autumnal equinox and winter solstice. These seasonal variations in daylight hours are primarily due to the sun's tilt relative to the equator and geographical latitude. — ONA
Observer
12-03-2025
- Science
- Observer
Oman to witness total lunar eclipse on Thursday
Muscat - The skies of the Sultanate of Oman will witness a total lunar eclipse on Thursday, which is the first of 2025. The partial eclipse begins at 9:09 am local time, while the total eclipse begins at 10:26 am and ends at 11:31 am. Ahmed bin Mohammed al Khalidi, a member of the Omani Society for Astronomy and Space, said that the penumbral eclipse (according to the local time of the Sultanate of Oman) begins at 7:57 am, the partial eclipse begins at 9:09 am, while the total eclipse begins at 10:26 am and ends at 11:31 am. The partial eclipse will end at 12:47 pm, while the penumbral eclipse ends at 2 pm local time. Accordingly, the lunar eclipse will last six hours and three minutes for all its stages (penumbral, partial, and total). He stressed that all residents of the Sultanate of Oman will not be able to witness the phases of the lunar eclipse, as the moon will descend in the Muscat Governorate at 5:45 am, which is before the start of the penumbral eclipse. He added that the lunar eclipse can be seen in all areas where it is nighttime, but some will see it better than others. The eclipse will be visible in large parts of Australia, Africa, Europe, the Americas, and Antarctica and North America. He said that a lunar eclipse is an astronomical phenomenon that occurs when the Earth's shadow blocks the sunlight reflected from the moon. This phenomenon occurs when the Earth, the sun, and the moon are aligned in a straight line. There are three types of eclipses: a total eclipse, which occurs when the entire moon enters the Earth's shadow. In this case, the entire moon's disk is eclipsed, leading to a complete loss of visibility during the middle of the night, especially in desert areas. A partial eclipse occurs when part of the moon enters the Earth's shadow. In this case, part of the moon's disk is eclipsed. A penumbral eclipse occurs when the moon enters only the penumbral shadow. In this case, the moon's light becomes dim without being eclipsed. He pointed out that at the beginning of a total eclipse, the moon's color tends to be reddish due to the red rays that cannot be absorbed by the upper atmosphere of the Earth. A lunar eclipse usually occurs when the moon is full, unlike a solar eclipse, which occurs when the moon is in conjunction. Furthermore, lunar and solar eclipses do not occur monthly because the plane of the moon's orbit around the sun is tilted at an angle of approximately five degrees. Therefore, an eclipse only occurs when the sun (due to the Earth's orbit around the sun) passes through the point of intersection of the two planes, or what are called the nodes. Lunar eclipses can occur three times each year, while solar eclipses can occur five times a year.
Observer
01-03-2025
- Science
- Observer
Oman harnesses astronomy for national identity
MUSCAT, March 1 The Sultanate of Oman is reaping significant benefits from the fields of astronomy and astrophysics, according to Dr Ishaq bin Yahya al Shueili, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Omani Society for Astronomy and Space. Speaking to Observer on the sidelines of the first workshop on 'How Oman Has Benefited from Astronomical Science in Tackling Navigation, Seafaring, Distribution of Aflaj, Fishing and Agriculture,' Dr Al Shueili emphasised the crucial role of preserving Oman's astronomical heritage in strengthening national identity and fostering scientific progress. The workshop, held at the National Museum under the auspices of Salim bin Mohammed al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism, brought together a distinguished group of scientists, researchers and enthusiasts of astronomical heritage. The discussions centred on how the ancestors of Oman skillfully applied astronomical knowledge to govern daily life — from navigation and seafaring to agriculture, irrigation systems and even fishing practices. Dr Al Shueili highlighted how this ancient knowledge continues to serve as a foundation for modern scientific endeavours, contributing to Oman's growth and development. 'In alignment with the goals of Oman Vision 2040, which emphasises the preservation of national identity, Oman's astronomical heritage stands as a testament to our ancestors' profound understanding of astronomy, heritage and culture. These aspects are critical in shaping the future and preserving them is essential for advancing scientific research and innovation, which are integral to the progress of society,' Dr Al Shueili stated. He further explained that the preservation of this heritage extends beyond simply documenting the past — it's an essential strategy for strengthening Oman's future, ensuring that modern advancements are grounded in a deep cultural understanding. Dr Al Shueili also emphasised the significance of astronomical science in regulating essential aspects of Omani life, from managing agricultural practices and the distribution of aflaj (irrigation systems) to facilitating seafaring navigation. By safeguarding this astronomical knowledge, Oman ensures that these practices continue to enrich both the country's cultural heritage and its scientific pursuits. A key highlight of the workshop was the launch of a national initiative aimed at documenting Oman's astronomical heritage. This initiative seeks to collect and preserve traditional astronomical knowledge while promoting the contributions of Omanis to the field. The goal is not only to protect this invaluable heritage for future generations but also to bridge the past with the present and future, enabling Oman to continue reaping the benefits of ancestral wisdom while advancing modern astronomical studies. The workshop featured the presentation of nine papers by leading astro-scientists, addressing various topics, including how stargazing can aid in predicting weather patterns, improve agricultural practices and enhance fishing techniques. Other papers focused on the historical role of astronomy in guiding navigation, seafaring and the distribution of aflaj. One of the key presentations came from Ali bin Salem al Ubais, an astro-scientist from Dhofar, who shared insights on navigation and astro-science. He underscored the importance of preserving Oman's national identity and its connection to astronomical heritage as a means of empowering future generations. 'It is vital that we preserve our astronomical heritage and national identity within the framework of Oman Vision 2040. This allows us to make significant strides in preserving, documenting and globally sharing our heritage, positioning Oman as a regional and international leader in astro-science,' Al Ubais said. The symposium served as an important platform for exchanging knowledge and ideas among scientific disciplines, raising awareness about the role of Oman's astronomical heritage in shaping key aspects of daily life. The event underscored the need to educate future generations on the value of this heritage, from its influence on agriculture and navigation to its impact on weather prediction and fishing practices. Furthermore, the symposium highlighted the importance of recognising and documenting the contributions of Omani scientists in the field of astronomy, especially as some aspects of this heritage face the risk of being lost to time. The event concluded with a call to preserve this integral part of Oman's heritage, ensuring that future generations will continue to benefit from this rich cultural and scientific knowledge.
