Oman's astronomical heritage fuels modern space aspirations
At the heart of this effort is Oman Society of Astronomy and Space, which continues to promote astronomical awareness through public lectures, observation nights and collaboration with educational institutions. Its initiatives are aimed at nurturing scientific curiosity and integrating astronomy into school curricula, in line with the country's National Space Policy.
Among the key facilities contributing to this effort is the Al Saa'a Observatory in Muscat. Often referred to as the Clock Observatory, it is used to study planetary motion and serves as a learning centre for students and astronomy enthusiasts. The society also supports researchers by providing access to material and resources needed to advance local astronomical studies.
Historically, astronomy played a crucial role in Omani society. Traditional water-sharing systems, such as the falaj irrigation method, relied on sundials known as Al Lamd to schedule water distribution during the day. At night, farmers turned to the stars to manage shares, with celestial markers like Al Munsif signalling the halfway point of an athar, a unit of time roughly equal to 30 minutes.
Oman's mountainous regions, such as Jabal Akhdar, illustrate how knowledge of solar angles was applied in terrace farming to optimise crop yield. Meanwhile, sailors used constellations to navigate the open sea. Names such as Ahmed bin Majid al Saadi and Nasser bin Ali al Khadhouri stand out among the many navigators who recorded their expertise in celestial navigation and maritime phenomena.
Astronomy also influenced local sayings. The appearance of the star Suhail marks the beginning of cooler nights, as in the proverb: 'If Suhail appears, water and night cool down'. Another star – Al Kawi – signals the time to harvest wheat: 'When Al Kawi appears, cut and roast the wheat'.
Dr Ishaq Yahya al Shuaili, Chairman of Oman Society of Astronomy and Space, believes these traditional insights serve as a bridge to modern science. He said that involving students early in astronomy education – through exposure to topics like satellites, meteorites and space missions – can foster interest and prepare the next generation of scientists.
The society also organises practical activities such as observation camps, workshops and competitions. Shuaili said such experiences deepen students' understanding and help connect theory to real-world applications. He further highlighted the need for media support, including the production of documentaries and digital content to communicate the relevance of astronomy in sectors like agriculture, communication, navigation and disaster response.
Board member Omar Hamdan al Hosni stressed the importance of teacher training in astronomy, calling it a strategic investment in building space awareness. He added that the global space sector is rapidly evolving, particularly with the rise of CubeSats and commercial space ventures, and Oman has positioned itself to keep pace with developments.
As Oman looks skyward, it continues to draw strength from its heritage, linking centuries of star-based knowledge with future ambitions in space science.
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Muscat Daily
6 hours ago
- Muscat Daily
Oman's astronomical heritage fuels modern space aspirations
Muscat – Oman's deep-rooted tradition in astronomy, once vital for agriculture, seafaring and daily life, is now helping lay the foundation for scientific advancement in the fields of astronomy and space science. At the heart of this effort is Oman Society of Astronomy and Space, which continues to promote astronomical awareness through public lectures, observation nights and collaboration with educational institutions. Its initiatives are aimed at nurturing scientific curiosity and integrating astronomy into school curricula, in line with the country's National Space Policy. Among the key facilities contributing to this effort is the Al Saa'a Observatory in Muscat. Often referred to as the Clock Observatory, it is used to study planetary motion and serves as a learning centre for students and astronomy enthusiasts. The society also supports researchers by providing access to material and resources needed to advance local astronomical studies. Historically, astronomy played a crucial role in Omani society. Traditional water-sharing systems, such as the falaj irrigation method, relied on sundials known as Al Lamd to schedule water distribution during the day. At night, farmers turned to the stars to manage shares, with celestial markers like Al Munsif signalling the halfway point of an athar, a unit of time roughly equal to 30 minutes. Oman's mountainous regions, such as Jabal Akhdar, illustrate how knowledge of solar angles was applied in terrace farming to optimise crop yield. Meanwhile, sailors used constellations to navigate the open sea. Names such as Ahmed bin Majid al Saadi and Nasser bin Ali al Khadhouri stand out among the many navigators who recorded their expertise in celestial navigation and maritime phenomena. Astronomy also influenced local sayings. The appearance of the star Suhail marks the beginning of cooler nights, as in the proverb: 'If Suhail appears, water and night cool down'. Another star – Al Kawi – signals the time to harvest wheat: 'When Al Kawi appears, cut and roast the wheat'. Dr Ishaq Yahya al Shuaili, Chairman of Oman Society of Astronomy and Space, believes these traditional insights serve as a bridge to modern science. He said that involving students early in astronomy education – through exposure to topics like satellites, meteorites and space missions – can foster interest and prepare the next generation of scientists. The society also organises practical activities such as observation camps, workshops and competitions. Shuaili said such experiences deepen students' understanding and help connect theory to real-world applications. He further highlighted the need for media support, including the production of documentaries and digital content to communicate the relevance of astronomy in sectors like agriculture, communication, navigation and disaster response. Board member Omar Hamdan al Hosni stressed the importance of teacher training in astronomy, calling it a strategic investment in building space awareness. He added that the global space sector is rapidly evolving, particularly with the rise of CubeSats and commercial space ventures, and Oman has positioned itself to keep pace with developments. As Oman looks skyward, it continues to draw strength from its heritage, linking centuries of star-based knowledge with future ambitions in space science.
Times of Oman
12 hours ago
- Times of Oman
Astronomical landscape in Oman: Towards a renewed community culture and scientific vision
Muscat — The Sultanate of Oman is home to numerous astronomical observatories dedicated to studying celestial phenomena and promoting astronomical knowledge. Among them is Al Saa'a 'the clock Observatory in Muscat Governorate, used for studying the movement of planets and stars and serving as an educational center for students and astronomy enthusiasts. Given the importance of this field, Oman Astronomical Society plays crucial roles in enhancing astronomical awareness. These include education and outreach, with the Society offering regular lectures and workshops on various astronomical topics, organizing events such as astronomical observation nights, and fostering scientific research. The Society encourages scientific research in astronomy and helps provide necessary resources for researchers and interested individuals. Its roles also include collaborating with educational institutions, working with schools and universities to enhance astronomy-related curricula, participating in global events like "World Space Week," and publishing astronomical materials, which serve as educational resources for enthusiasts. Astronomy has long received widespread attention from Omanis, playing a pivotal role in daily life. Through it, they organized their affairs, including travel, agriculture, and fishing. For instance, to divide falaj water during the day, they developed the "solar sundial" system, locally known as "Al-Lamd." This system relies on the movement of the shadow of a gnomon (made of iron, wood, or stone) from sunrise to sunset, serving as a timekeeper for farmers' shares of falaj water during the day. This was called "day lecture," distinguishing it from "night lecture," which always referred to using stars to complete the water distribution process in the evening. These stars are known among farmers, numbering around 24 in some wilayats and 26 in others, with this number sometimes increasing in exceptional cases. Examples of these stars include Al-Sarrah Al-Oula, Al-Sarrah Al-Thaniya, Al-Kawi, Aldebaran, Al-Miyathib, Al-Dhulmi, and others. To ensure accuracy in water distribution, farmers identified the star "Al-Munsif," whose appearance signals the halfway point of the "athar," the unit used for dividing falaj water, equivalent to approximately half an hour. The terraced agriculture in mountainous regions like Al Jabal Al Akhdar is a testament to the optimal utilization of solar radiation angles, contributing to the diversity of crops based on pre-determined measurements. In the maritime domain, Omanis were renowned as ship captains. Ahmed bin Majid Al Saadi and Nasser bin Ali Al Khadhouri are just two examples among thousands of sailors and navigators who meticulously documented their knowledge of routes, stars, and seasons for fishing and travel. They used stars as guides in the darkness of the sea and as timings for travel and fishing seasons. They also understood "sea strikes," a term used in Omani and Gulf popular culture to describe violent or sudden marine phenomena that cause disturbances in sea waters, such as strong waves, powerful currents, or sea storms. Sailors would not venture into the sea for travel or fishing during these times, which they identified by the rising or setting of certain stars. Among the most important "strikes" known to ancient Omanis is "Dharbat Al-Ahaimar," a star with a reddish hue. This leads to disagreement about the exact identity of this star; some consider "Al-Ahaimar" to be the star "Antares" in the constellation Scorpius, while others believe it is "Arcturus" in the constellation Boötes, both of which rise at the same time. Other known strikes include "Dharbat Al-Shali," which is the 90th strike of the third hundred in the "Hisbat Al-Durour" (calculation of periods), and is considered the strongest and most violent among known strikes, lasting between four and five days. Furthermore, the strikes of "Hawitaim," "Al-Lakidhib," and "Al-Kawi" are also dangerous for seafarers, which is why Omanis timed their seasons and knew their dates through the rising of stars. Dr. Ishaq Yahya Al Shuaili, Chairman of Oman Astronomical and Space Society, stated that "Omani proverbs have preserved heritage in a simplified way that carries both humor and knowledge. For instance, the beginning of the heat's decline is accompanied by the appearance of the star Suhail, hence the saying: 'If Suhail appears, water and night cool down,' and 'When Al-Kawi appears, cut and roast the wheat,' which refers to the ripening of wheat and the time for its harvest. These and other proverbs convey astronomical heritage to generations, enveloped in years of experience and ancestral knowledge." Al Shuaili believes that the concerted efforts among various educational institutions, civil society, and entities related to science and technology, by expanding the scope of scientific activities and contributions to promote progress in the astronomy and space sectors, will enhance astronomical and space awareness among the new generation in the Sultanate of Oman, in line with the goals of the "National Space Policy." This, he said, can be achieved by integrating and developing astronomy and space sciences into curricula to introduce students to the basics of astronomy and its applications, and to connect them with space exploration at an early stage. Introducing topics such as satellites, meteorites, space robots, and human exploration missions will stimulate scientific curiosity among students at various academic levels. He explained that practical and community activities play a significant role in embodying and clarifying theoretical concepts. These include scientific astronomical observation workshops, visits to astronomical observatories, astronomical scientific competitions, astronomical summer camps, and other activities that allow participants to fully experience astronomy. He also emphasized activating the role of scientific media through the production of educational documentaries and digital content that highlight the importance of astronomy and space in our daily lives, clarify the impact and role of space applications in various fields of life, and contribute to improving essential sectors such as agriculture, communications, navigation, and disaster management. Furthermore, partnerships with specialized scientific societies and institutions in astronomy and space contribute to enhancing community education, including partnerships with scientific research centers and Oman Astronomical and Space Society, to collaborate on various scientific initiatives for the public, such as observation nights and astronomical festivals in universities and schools, he added. Within the same context, Omar Hamdan Al Hosni, a board member of Oman Astronomical and Space Society, noted that "qualifying and training teachers in astronomy and space is a strategic investment in spreading space awareness throughout society, as teachers play a crucial role in transmitting a passion for science. Therefore, qualifying them in astronomy and space, and providing them with modern educational tools, would contribute to enhancing community awareness." Al Hosni pointed out that astronomy and space sciences are undergoing a significant global transformation, with an increasing number of countries entering this field, benefiting from technological development, especially through small satellites (CubeSats) and commercial space projects. From this perspective, the Sultanate of Oman can keep pace with these transformations by adopting the "National Space Policy," which the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology has done through the "National Space Program." The National Space Policy has been adopted, focusing on supporting scientific research, developing the necessary infrastructure, and qualifying national competencies in the space sector, he pointed out. He explained that engaging in educational space projects has a significant impact on developing the local space sector, such as designing and manufacturing educational satellites in cooperation with universities in the Sultanate of Oman. This, he said, would contribute to training students in all stages of space systems, from design, manufacturing, and testing to receiving and analyzing space data. Contributing to strengthening Oman's role as a regional center for research and development in astronomy and space will empower national competencies in scientific and innovative projects, Al Hosni affirmed.
Muscat Daily
7 days ago
- Muscat Daily
Extra Toppings: Heartbeat of cinema
From the deserts to F1 circuit – this 'extra topping' added a unique shine to the big screen. 'We're all co-actors. Each person, even the ones in the shadows, add their own sheen to the final masterpiece,' says Yousuf al Housni who played an 'extra' in the latest Hollywood blockbuster F1 Muscat – In anything grand we often forget the 'extras'… Extra cheese always adds more flavour to pizza, extra leg space adds comfort in a long flight and an extra rose in a bouquet adds an extra smile from one's beloved. Extras add life and base to grandeur. The same note goes to the extra actors in movies. They act as the foundation of every war, disaster or romance on the silver screen. Without extras, even the best frames or best methodical acts would fall apart. Such is the story of a 'junior' actor from Oman, Yousuf al Housni. Movies are a world of glamour and power. People feel proud to be part of it in some small way. Yet there are many like the extras who feel apprehensive to say that. Often people ridicule or pass sly smirks. Yet for Omani actor Yousuf al Housni, being an extra was an honour — vocal and bold in stating that every participation in a film, big or small, deserves recognition. 'It's not about the size of the role,' he says, 'it's about the sincerity of the effort. I enjoy the process more than the appearance.' Recently, Yousuf made his appearance in the latest Hollywood blockbuster F1 – the Brad Pitt-led Formula One film – currently screening in cinemas worldwide. This marks his second appearance in a major international production following his earlier role in the sci-fi epic Dune 2 in 2024. Perseverance, patience The few seconds of presence in these globally celebrated films have transformed Yousuf — not just as an actor, but as a human being. 'What I learned on those sets is beyond cinema — it's about patience, endurance, and self-respect,' he reflects. One of his toughest experiences was shooting Dune 2 in the scorching desert of Abu Dhabi, where the mercury touched 40 degrees Celsius. 'We were around 600 people, including 30 extras from Egypt, Afghanistan and Syria. I was one of the 30 selected extras portraying soldiers of Javier Bardem's character,' he disclosed. Every extra wore a three-layered costume weighing over 5kg, and many also carried props — guns and gear weighing up to 10kg. The walk across the dunes was exhausting, and the discipline was almost military. 'You can't even visit the restroom easily. To undress and redress was too daunting a task,' he recalls. The patience was just as demanding — 'we'd wait for hours just for a one-second shot.' Sometimes, the shoot demanded such effort that people fell ill. 'It was challenging but we continued with the processes,' Yousuf shared. When one extra fell seriously ill, the production crew needed a last-minute replacement. And Yousuf was chosen to step in and play an elderly man. 'I was rushed into makeup and given the part. When I finished the shot, the whole unit clapped for me,' he says. 'Actors like Timothy Chalamet, Javier Bardem and Zendaya — they hugged the crew at the end. But what impressed me most was director Denis Villeneuve. Calm, focused — like a painter lost in his Muse and canvas.' No role is small Yousuf's F1 shoot, in contrast, was more relaxed. Shot over five days, Yousuf appeared as a VIP guest from Oman — a moment of great personal pride. 'I studied about F1 races before the shoot. Even as an extra, I wanted to be prepared,' he smiles. 'No role is small.' Two more Hollywood films featuring Yousuf are expected to release by the end of the year. For Yousuf, acting is both craft and lifestyle. 'Fitness is crucial — physically, mentally and spiritually,' he says. 'If you're slow or inattentive, you get replaced; and I never want that.' He continues to hone his skills by attending workshops in Oman and Abu Dhabi and has registered with international casting agencies. He was also featured in an Abu Dhabi Police cybersecurity awareness film, portraying a hacker — a role far from his spiritual, disciplined real-life self. 'It was challenging to play someone so opposite to myself,' he laughs. Yousuf began his acting journey in 2013 as a student at the College of Applied Sciences in Salalah, pursuing Management Studies and Accounting. As a boy, Yousuf was fascinated by action, wrestling, and martial arts — drawn to the world of Van Damme, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone. In 2017, he co-founded a YouTube channel with friends and began producing, writing, and acting in short films. His creations, Blood and Silent , earned accolades among film festivals and his community. He was also active in theatre, but over time realised he needed to study acting more deeply. Yousuf is not only an actor but also a director and his short film Empty had bagged three awards globally. 'Why I chose films' 'I began diving into acting techniques and film studies. I didn't just want to be an actor — I wanted to understand everything about cinema.' That passion led him to examine the technical aspects of filmmaking, differentiating the nuances between stage and screen. 'Theatre taught me to be subtle, while films demanded focus and detail. I realised I couldn't do all media simultaneously — so, I chose films.' Sometimes, fate throws open unexpected doors. During the pandemic, Yousuf had got a surprise Instagram message from a US-based director working on a film titled Alien Sniperess . The filmmaker needed a 30-second clip of a man stuck at home as his family is attacked by aliens. 'He sent the storyboard and lines. I created the scene in my garage with ketchup as blood. When the film released in the US, I saw my name in the credits as a supporting actor and second unit director. I was overwhelmed with joy', he said. Yousuf has also been active in the Scouts movement, and remains passionate about gym workouts, martial arts and fitness. His favourite actor is Christian Bale — 'not just for Batman, but for his ability to become any character, physically and mentally.' He also admires Ben Affleck and Brad Pitt, with Fight Club being a long-time inspiration. In terms of directors, his favourites include Christopher Nolan and James Gunn. 'Their visuals make me believe the punches, blood and explosions are real. That's the dedication I aim for.' One-inch barriers of subtitles Yousuf still remembers watching a show The Cobsy Show in Grade 3. 'I didn't understand the language — I just read subtitles. But then I realised cinema transcends language. Emotions don't need translation.' This resonates with what Bong Joon-ho famously said at the Oscars -14x] 'Once you overcome the one-inch barrier of subtitles, you'll discover amazing films.' Yousuf understood that truth long before it became a quote. He insists that on a shoot with celebrities, one doesn't need to show that he is fan but indeed a co-actor. 'We're all co-actors. Each person, even the ones in the shadows, add their own sheen to the final masterpiece,' he said. With conviction in his voice, he adds, 'I want to be the first Omani actor in a major international role. I want to direct, produce, and keep growing. I want to win an Oscar — not for fame, but to prove that hard work, silence, skills, knowledge, focus and sincerity can move mountains and create mesmerising storyboards.' For Yousuf al Housni, the extra is never just extra — it's the heartbeat of the scene. (Pictures by VK Shafeer)
