2 days ago
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.
