Since 2009, Jebel Shams in the Sultanate of Oman has hosted more than 17 family, Gulf and Arab astronomy camps, in addition to more than 20 specialized workshops and camps, before its observation platform entered a new phase with the launch of the Omani Society for Astronomy and Space Observatory Development Project.
Hot Topics
The human body ages in leaps and bounds Scientists identify two critical ages
From your phone screen to your data How do malicious apps sneak in and steal your secrets?
The project transforms the observatory into the first fully integrated robotic astronomical observatory that can be remotely controlled by the association, with support from Petroleum Development Oman (PDO), and under the patronage of the Minister of Heritage and Tourism, Ibrahim bin Said Al Busaidi.
"Robotics" here means that the operation of the telescopes and the dome, as well as monitoring, can be done automatically and remotely, without the need for an observer to be on-site. This step addresses previous problems related to dust and humidity, and enhances the observatory's capacity to serve education, research, and astronomical observation.
The development included replacing the previous dome with a modern one that opens and closes automatically and can be programmed and controlled remotely, in addition to equipping the observatory with a high-quality 16-inch diameter main optical telescope to observe details of distant objects, such as nebulae, galaxies and star clusters.
A specialized solar observation telescope was also added to monitor sunspots, emissions, and flares, and another with a field to scan large areas of the sky and observe extended phenomena and comets.
The observatory is also equipped with a high-performance computer for image processing and remote control, a smart weather station that measures temperature and humidity and sends automated commands to the dome to close it when it rains or humidity rises, in addition to a high-speed internet connection.
Majid bin Mohammed Al-Farai, Director of Astronomical Projects at the Omani Society for Astronomy and Space, said that the system allows researchers, students and members of the society to control telescopes, monitor phenomena and photograph them from anywhere in the world.
From scientific research to astrotourism
Those in charge of the project believe that its importance does not stop at developing monitoring tools, as the observatory can serve to monitor the crescent moons of the Islamic months, meteors, comets and solar activity, and provide a training environment for young people and those interested in astronomy and space sciences.
Mahmoud bin Saeed Al-Amri, a member of the association’s board of directors and head of the support and investment committee, said that the project allows school, college and university students to experience observing and photographing astronomical events, and also supports national cadres and small and medium enterprises working in scientific events and camps.
Tags:
science
