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Gulf Today
30-04-2025
- Science
- Gulf Today
SAASST raises awareness on light pollution
As part of its ongoing commitment to enhance environmental education and promote community participation, the Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences, and Technology (SAASST), an affiliate of the University of Sharjah (UoS), organised an awareness event titled 'Towards a Light Pollution-Free Sky in Sharjah.' The initiative was held in conjunction with International Dark Sky Week 2025, a global annual campaign aimed at preserving the natural darkness of the night sky and raising awareness about the effects of light pollution. The event attracted a diverse group of astronomy and environmental science enthusiasts. Fatima Alkhateri, Director of the Sharjah Astronomical Planetarium Department, delivered the opening address, in which she introduced the event and its objectives, emphasising that protecting the night sky is a shared responsibility, as light pollution is a serious environmental issue that directly affects ecosystems, human health, and cultural heritage. She pointed out that the event aims to raise awareness about the importance of adopting sustainable practices that contribute to preserving a dark and clear sky. The event featured a series of interactive workshops and activities, including a lecture titled 'Understanding Light Pollution: Science, Impacts, and Global Efforts,' delivered by Ammar Eissa, Director of the Astronomical Observatories Department, during which he introduced the concept of light pollution, discussed its effects on observation, human health, and the environment, and highlighted international efforts to combat it. Anoud Alzaabi, Research Analyst, led an interactive workshop that simulated the effects of light pollution on stars, while Research Analysts Mohammad Rihan and Samar Abu Aloul delivered a workshop on techniques for reducing light pollution using smart lighting for dark sky protection. This was followed by a workshop on photography techniques for documenting light pollution, presented by Yousuf Qasimi, Scientific Guide at the Sharjah Planetarium. Participants enjoyed a tour of the space science exhibitions and a special show at the Sharjah Planetarium, 'The Disappearing Night Sky,' presented by Ahmad Salahudeen, Scientific Guide at the Sharjah Planetarium, who explained the effects of light pollution on the visibility of astronomical objects such as planets, stars, and comets. The event concluded with a live stargazing experience under light-pollution conditions, led by Research Analyst Mohammed Talafha. Participants used advanced telescopes to observe the night sky and examine the impact of light pollution on astronomical observation, utilising specialised instruments to assess and monitor light pollution levels. This experience deepened their practical understanding of the importance of preserving dark night skies. WAM
Gulf Today
16-03-2025
- Science
- Gulf Today
Sharjah drive tracks asteroids near the Earth
As part of its ongoing efforts to enhance research and practical applications in asteroid observation, the Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences, and Technology (SAASST), affiliated with the University of Sharjah (UoS), organised a specialised observation campaign to track and analyse the near-Earth asteroids '2018 RC2' and 'Flora 8.' This marks the first dedicated near-Earth asteroids (NEAs) observation campaign conducted through the Sharjah Astronomical Observatory. It aims to support astronomical research, enhance observational and analytical capabilities, and contribute to a better understanding of the orbital and physical characteristics of near-Earth asteroids. The campaign covered the key concepts involved in observing near-Earth asteroids, focusing on their orbital and physical characteristics. It emphasised the importance of monitoring, tracking, and studying these asteroids. Discussions also addressed global asteroid observation networks, including the International Asteroid Warning Network (IAWN), which plays a crucial role in promoting global collaboration for monitoring celestial bodies. The campaign introduced internationally recognised observatories and telescopes, highlighting their advanced technical specifications, and explored the specialised software used for tracking and analysing asteroids. During the campaign, participants engaged in hands-on activities, recording precise orbital and photometric data of the asteroid using advanced astronomical systems to track its motion and analyse its trajectory across the sky. This experience contributed to expanding participants' knowledge and capabilities in the field, enhancing their understanding of celestial bodies, and the orbital and physical characteristics of near-Earth asteroids. Gulf Today, Staff Reporter SHARJAH: As part of its ongoing efforts to enhance research and practical applications in asteroid observation, the Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences, and Technology (SAASST), affiliated with the University of Sharjah (UoS), organised a specialised observation campaign to track and analyse the near-Earth asteroids '2018 RC2' and 'Flora 8.' This marks the first dedicated near-Earth asteroids (NEAs) observation campaign conducted through the Sharjah Astronomical Observatory. It aims to support astronomical research, enhance observational and analytical capabilities, and contribute to a better understanding of the orbital and physical characteristics of near-Earth asteroids. The campaign covered the key concepts involved in observing near-Earth asteroids, focusing on their orbital and physical characteristics. It emphasised the importance of monitoring, tracking, and studying these asteroids. Discussions also addressed global asteroid observation networks, including the International Asteroid Warning Network (IAWN), which plays a crucial role in promoting global collaboration for monitoring celestial bodies. The campaign introduced internationally recognised observatories and telescopes, highlighting their advanced technical specifications, and explored the specialised software used for tracking and analysing asteroids. During the campaign, participants engaged in hands-on activities, recording precise orbital and photometric data of the asteroid using advanced astronomical systems to track its motion and analyse its trajectory across the sky. This experience contributed to expanding participants' knowledge and capabilities in the field, enhancing their understanding of celestial bodies, and the orbital and physical characteristics of near-Earth asteroids.
Sharjah 24
13-03-2025
- Science
- Sharjah 24
UOS dissertation explores Muslim scholars' impact on astronomy
The study was conducted under the supervision of His Excellency Prof. Hamid M.K. Al Naimiy, Chancellor of the University of Sharjah and Director General of the Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences, and Technology, with Prof. Masoud Idris, Director of the Sharjah International Foundation for the History of Arab and Muslim Sciences, serving as co-supervisor. Dissertation defence panel and evaluation The dissertation defense panel was chaired by Mohammed Mounis, Professor of Islamic History and Civilisation, and included Mashhad Al Alaf, Associate Professor in the Department of History and Islamic Civilisation, as the internal examiner, and Prof. Hatem Wedian from Al al-Bayt University in Jordan as the external examiner. Highlighting the contributions of Ibn al-Shatir to astronomy The primary objective of the study was to highlight the contributions of Muslim scholars to science and astronomy, with a particular focus on Ibn al-Shatir's heliocentric model, which stands as one of the most significant achievements of the Arab-Islamic scientific tradition. Ibn al-Shatir was the first to challenge the Ptolemaic theory and successfully demonstrate its inaccuracies, paving the way for substantial advancements in astronomical science. The Influence of Muslim scholars on Copernicus Recent scholarly investigations confirm that Copernican theories of astronomy did not emerge in isolation but rather were built upon the foundational work of earlier Muslim scholars. The study underscores striking similarities between Copernicus's heliocentric theory and the mathematical models developed by Ibn al-Shatir, particularly in their approaches to resolving issues related to Mercury's orbit and the structure of lunar orbits. Despite some minor discrepancies, both scholars employed identical mathematical techniques in their formulations. The findings strongly suggest that Copernicus was influenced by Ibn al-Shatir, particularly in his calculations that align with the notion of Earth and other planets orbiting the Sun—a concept that contradicts the commonly held belief that Copernicus was the original proponent of the heliocentric model. Dissertation acceptance and scholarly impact At the conclusion of the defense session, the examining committee unanimously recommended the acceptance of the dissertation, conferring upon the researcher a Doctorate in History and Islamic Civilisation from the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences at the University of Sharjah. The committee commended the dissertation's originality, its scholarly significance, and its substantial contribution to historical and astronomical knowledge. The study provides fresh insights into the role of Muslim scholars in the evolution of astronomy and their critical contributions to the transmission of scientific knowledge to the West.
