After 40 years Halley's Comet brings together Arab astronomers to relive memories of 1986

The Arab Union for Astronomy and Space Sciences, in cooperation with the Arab Astronomy Education Offices of the International Astronomical Union and the Jordanian Meteorite Society, is organizing an astronomical seminar entitled "Halley's Comet: Arab Experiences with the Historic Visitor" this evening, Saturday, October 24, 2026, with the participation of 14 speakers from 7 Arab countries, who will recall the memories of the comet's last visit in 1986, and look forward to its expected return in 2061.

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The meeting will be opened by the founder and president of the Arab Union for Space and Astronomy Sciences, Professor Dr. Hamid Al-Nuaimi, with a lecture entitled “The Secrets of the Sky Visitor and its Expected Return in 2061, and What is New About It and Its Return,” addressing the scientific characteristics of the comet and what astronomers expect when it appears next.

The symposium is part of the joint Arab activities of astronomy education offices, within the framework of the Arab Union’s efforts, led by Al-Nuaimi, to enhance cooperation between Arab astronomical institutions, spread scientific culture, and connect new generations with the history of astronomical observation in the region.

From telescope memories to probe secrets

The Secretary-General of the Union, Dr. Eng. Awni Al-Khasawneh, will deliver an opening speech, followed by an intervention by astronomer Hani Al-Dali’ from Jordan entitled “Halley’s Comet.. The precious guest once in a lifetime.”

Al-Dali’ recalls his experience, which began with purchasing a telescope in preparation for observing the comet, and his eagerness to attend a lecture at the University of Jordan by the late astronomer Dr. Abdul Rahim Bader, a pioneer of astronomy in Jordan. That lecture bore the same title that he returns to the podium with today, four decades later.

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Professor Hisham Ben Yahya from Tunisia will present a talk entitled "Halley's Comet... A Night of Observation That Changed the Course of My Life," while Engineer Majd Al-Sari from Syria will recount "My Experience Observing Halley's Comet on Its Last Visit."

Engineer Saad Al-Latif Khalaf Al-Samarrai from Iraq discusses "Following Halley's Comet in 1986 through the Science for All program of the late Professor Kamel Al-Dabbagh," while Dr. Saeed Sabbagh from Syria talks about "When Halley's Comet crossed the sky."