Latest news with #SAASST
Gulf Today
4 days ago
- Science
- Gulf Today
Sultan Bin Ahmed reviews developments at SAASST
Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and President of the University of Sharjah, reviewed the latest developments in the projects of the Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences and Technology (SAASST), along with its key development plans. The visit took place on Tuesday afternoon at the Academy's premises. Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed toured the Academy building, observing the recent updates to its facilities, which aim to educate visitors and refresh their knowledge of astronomy and space sciences, using the latest educational and technological methods to deliver information effectively. Through a visual presentation, he was briefed on the current projects at the Academy, including the CubeSat programme, and the Meteorite Laboratory Exhibition, which aims to catalogue and document meteorites and impact fragments. The briefing also covered the development of space debris monitoring stations, as well as the optical and radio astronomical observatories that the Academy is establishing in cooperation with various public and private entities. Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed was updated on the project to develop solar and lunar observation systems at the Academy. The initiative supports national efforts in crescent moon sighting for Islamic calendar verification and aims to enhance the scientific infrastructure for observing solar and lunar phenomena, enabling the Academy's participation in global astronomical observation efforts. He viewed key statistics from the Sharjah Planetarium, which welcomed over 4,500 visitors during June and July. The planetarium attracts audiences by offering 20 shows per week. He also reviewed the development plans for the planetarium and its efforts to raise community awareness through specialised workshops and space-related films, along with its partnerships with various institutions and astronomical centres. Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed was introduced to the Academy's participation, in collaboration with the UAE Space Agency, in the Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt. This pioneering mission aims to study seven asteroids within the main belt and support the growth of the UAE's private space sector, in addition to building national capabilities in astronomical and space research, innovation, and advanced technological development. Recently, the SAASST hosted a delegation from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to explore opportunities for joint scientific and academic cooperation, including the exchange of expertise in education and research, as well as providing internship opportunities for students. This collaboration aims to contribute to the development of scientific competencies and enhance academic partnerships with NASA. It is also part of the Academy's commitment to building strategic partnerships with leading global scientific institutions, reflecting its dedication to advancing astronomy, space science, and technology. Prof. Yousef Haik, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, welcomed the delegation, emphasising the importance of collaboration with NASA in advancing the university's efforts to integrate cutting-edge technological frameworks that enhance the educational and research experiences for both faculty members and students. He further noted that this partnership reflects the university's commitment to fostering an innovative educational environment, dedicated to preparing a generation of scientists and researchers capable of contributing to global technological advancement. Prof. Maamar Bettayeb, Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Studies, emphasised that this collaboration will play a pivotal role in advancing research programmes, facilitating knowledge exchange, and driving progress in the fields of space science and astronomy. He further noted that the partnership will provide valuable opportunities for both students and faculty members to engage in international research projects, thereby enhancing the university's global scientific reputation. Daniel Evans, Assistant Deputy Associate Administrator for Research at NASA's Science Mission Directorate, praised the significant role played by the Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences and Technology, emphasising that the cooperation between NASA and SAASST will contribute to enhancing research efforts in the region. WAM
Gulf Today
06-07-2025
- Science
- Gulf Today
Sharjah astronomy body hosts workshop on exoplanets
The Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences, and Technology (SAASST) at the University of Sharjah (UoS) organised a specialised workshop titled 'Exploring Exoplanets' as part of its ongoing efforts to promote astronomical knowledge and raise public awareness about the latest space technologies. The workshop aimed to introduce participants to planets that orbit stars beyond our solar system, explore their various types, and explain the methods scientists use to discover and study them. The workshop combined theoretical knowledge with hands-on experiments. The first day featured a lecture on exoplanets and their various discovery methods. Participants examined a database of discovered exoplanets and presented their research findings. On the second day, participants used specialised equipment to understand the method of detecting exoplanets by observing the dimming of a star's light caused by a planet passing in front of it. The workshop concluded with a special show at the Sharjah Planetarium, highlighting the locations of discovered exoplanets in our galaxy, as well as the Sharjah Star and the planet discovered orbiting it, which has been named 'Barjeel.' Earlier, Prof. Hamid M.K. Al Naimiy, Director of the Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences, and Technology (SAASST), welcomed a high-level delegation from the UAE Space Agency during an official visit aimed at enhancing cooperation in the fields of space science, engineering, and computing. The visit was organised in coordination with the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Studies at the University of Sharjah (UoS), the Sharjah Smart Center for Climate Resilience, and the Research Outreach Department. The visit featured a discussion session chaired by Prof. Al Naimiy, with the participation of leading academics and experts from both the Academy and the Agency. The session explored opportunities for collaboration, the activation of existing agreements, and future initiatives to support research and advance the UAE's vision in the field of space. The discussion also focused on strengthening academic collaboration, particularly through offering internship opportunities, facilitating knowledge exchange, and developing academic programmes aligned with the UAE's National Space Strategy. Both parties explored opportunities to launch applied research projects that would contribute to the advancement of the UAE's space sector. In addition, they emphasised the importance of supporting students and researchers through national initiatives aimed at empowering young talent and guiding them toward space-related disciplines. This collaboration represents a model of integration between federal entities and academic institutions, enhancing the nation's readiness to contribute to regional and global space initiatives, while supporting the leadership's ambition to position the UAE as a global leader in space exploration, science, and technology. During the visit, the Academy presented a brief overview of its key research and educational facilities, followed by a scientific show at the Sharjah Planetarium titled 'Deen Alqayima.' The delegation also toured several facilities and laboratories at the University of Sharjah, where they were introduced to the latest technologies and research equipment that support an innovative environment and contribute to preparing a new generation of distinguished researchers and scientists. Recently, the Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences, and Technology (SAASST), an affiliate of the University of Sharjah (UoS), hosted a delegation from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to explore opportunities for joint scientific and academic cooperation, including the exchange of expertise in education and research, as well as providing internship opportunities for students. Prof. Yousef Haik, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, welcomed the delegation, emphasising the importance of collaboration with NASA in advancing the university's efforts to integrate cutting-edge technological frameworks that enhance the educational and research experiences for both faculty members and students. Prof. Maamar Bettayeb, Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Studies, emphasised that this collaboration will play a pivotal role in advancing research programmes, facilitating knowledge exchange, and driving progress in the fields of space science and astronomy. Daniel Evans, Assistant Deputy Associate Administrator for Research at NASA's Science Mission Directorate, praised the significant role played by the Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences and Technology, emphasising that the cooperation between NASA and SAASST will contribute to enhancing research efforts in the region. The visit also included a tour of the research laboratories and a special show at the Sharjah Planetarium.
Al Etihad
02-07-2025
- Science
- Al Etihad
SAASST, UAE Space Agency strengthen scientific partnership
2 July 2025 17:38 SHARJAH (WAM) Director of the Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences, and Technology (SAASST), Prof. Hamid M.K. Al Naimiy, welcomed a high-level delegation from the UAE Space Agency during an official visit aimed at enhancing cooperation in the fields of space science, engineering, and visit was organised in coordination with the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Studies at the University of Sharjah (UoS), the Sharjah Smart Centre for Climate Resilience, and the Research Outreach visit featured a discussion session chaired by Prof. Al Naimiy, with the participation of leading academics and experts from both the academy and the session explored opportunities for collaboration, the activation of existing agreements, and future initiatives to support research and advance the UAE's vision in the field of discussion also focused on strengthening academic collaboration, particularly through offering internship opportunities, facilitating knowledge exchange, and developing academic programs aligned with the UAE's National Space parties explored opportunities to launch applied research projects that would contribute to the advancement of the UAE's space sector. In addition, they emphasised the importance of supporting students and researchers through national initiatives aimed at empowering young talent and guiding them toward space-related collaboration represents a model of integration between federal entities and academic institutions, enhancing the nation's readiness to contribute to regional and global space initiatives, while supporting the leadership's ambition to position the UAE as a global leader in space exploration, science, and the visit, the academy presented a brief overview of its key research and educational facilities, followed by a scientific show at the Sharjah Planetarium titled 'Deen Alqayima.' The delegation also toured several facilities and laboratories at the University of Sharjah, where they were introduced to the latest technologies and research equipment that support an innovative environment and contribute to preparing a new generation of distinguished researchers and scientists.
Sharjah 24
27-06-2025
- Science
- Sharjah 24
Astronomy and Space Sciences Master's Thesis Defense at UOS
Distinguished Examination Panel The examination committee was chaired by Prof. Hamid M.K. Al Naimiy, Director of SAASST. Other members included Prof. Mounir Kaidi, Chair of the Department of Applied Physics and Astronomy at UoS, who served as the internal examiner, and Dr. Aquib Moin, Associate Professor of Astronomy and Space Sciences at UAE University, who served as the external examiner. The thesis was supervised by Prof. Mashhoor Al-Wardat, Professor of Astrophysics at UoS and Director of the Academic Affairs Department at SAASST. Detailed Stellar Analysis The study aimed to analyze the parameters and behavior of two Cepheid variable stars, focusing on spectral and magnitude variations during their pulsation cycles. The results revealed that the Cepheid Variable FF Aql, part of the triple star system (HD 176155) showed variation in its radius from 51.4 to 58 solar radii and its temperature between 5275 K and 5800 K during its 4.47-day pulsation cycle. Its mass was found to be 5.7 solar masses, where the total mass of the system is 9.53 solar masses with a metallicity similar to the sun (Z=0.019), classifying it as a Population I (Third Generation) Star. RS Puppis Insights As for RS Puppis, it has a larger radius, ranging from 192 to 202 solar radii, and a temperature variation between 4200 and 4675 K over a period of 41.5 days, with a mass of approximately 8.5 solar masses. Space missions such as GAIA and HIPPARCOS, along with ground-based observations and the use of Al-Wadat's Method for analyzing stellar systems was used to derive these results. Contributions to Cosmology The findings of this thesis contribute to the understanding of Cepheid variables and their essential role in measuring cosmic expansion, by providing accurate data on stellar variation where it enhances the precision of astronomical models. Degree Officially Granted At the conclusion of the defense, the committee approved the thesis and awarded Naufa Nazar a Master's degree in Astronomy and Space Sciences.
Sharjah 24
08-05-2025
- Science
- Sharjah 24
2nd Sharjah International Conf. on Education kicks off Monday
Sharjah's global role in knowledge and innovation A landmark academic event, the conference brings together thought leaders, researchers, and policymakers from around the world to explore the latest advancements and transformative practices in education. The event reaffirms Sharjah's global standing as a capital of knowledge and learning. It reflects the emirate's visionary leadership and continued efforts to shape a future-ready, smart, and sustainable education ecosystem. Focus on AI, curriculum innovation, and research The conference seeks to examine how institutions of higher education and research can prepare graduates to navigate the rapidly evolving technological landscape. Key topics include the integration of artificial intelligence in learning environments, the development of modern pedagogical strategies, curriculum innovation, faculty development, and the promotion of a research-driven culture aligned with technological progress. Dynamic programme and international participation The program features an impressive lineup of parallel sessions, interactive workshops, and field visits, including a tour of the Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences and Technology (SAASST). This year's edition has attracted 92 research papers submitted by scholars from over 25 countries, representing more than 50 academic institutions. Universities across the UAE are also playing a prominent role in this year's proceedings. Academic rigor and global recognition All accepted papers have undergone rigorous review by the conference's scientific committee, ensuring compliance with the highest academic standards. Selected papers will be published in a dedicated peer-reviewed journal indexed in the SCOPUS database.
