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UAE observatory captures rare interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS, only the third ever discovered
UAE observatory captures rare interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS, only the third ever discovered

Arabian Business

time04-07-2025

  • Science
  • Arabian Business

UAE observatory captures rare interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS, only the third ever discovered

An astronomical breakthrough has taken place in the UAE, as the Al Khatim Astronomical Observatory in Abu Dhabi successfully imaged a newly discovered interstellar comet—only the third ever recorded in human history. The object, named 3I/ATLAS, was discovered by NASA on July 1 using the ATLAS survey telescope in Chile. Classified as an interstellar comet, it originated from another solar system and has been drifting through deep space for billions of years before entering ours just days ago. UAE captures rare interstellar comet The '3I' prefix signifies its status as the third interstellar object ever detected, following ʻOumuamua in 2017 and 2I/Borisov in 2019. The comet is currently about 670million kilometres from the Sun, travelling at a staggering 221,000 kilometres per hour. It poses no threat to Earth, with its closest approach expected to be 240 million kilometres away. On July 3, astronomers at Al Khatim Observatory captured the faint comet —currently at magnitude 17.5—over a 45-minute session, producing 45 long-exposure images. While the stars appear as streaks in the photographs, the comet is visible as a moving dot. The UAE observatory's findings have been officially submitted to the Minor Planet Centre (MPC) of the International Astronomical Union (IAU), making Al Khatim the first Arab observatory to document scientific observations of 3I/ATLAS. The comet will reach its closest point to the Sun on October 30, 2025, at a distance of 210 million kilometres and a predicted brightness of magnitude 11, making it faintly visible through amateur telescopes.

Abu Dhabi observatory captures images of rare interstellar comet
Abu Dhabi observatory captures images of rare interstellar comet

The National

time04-07-2025

  • Science
  • The National

Abu Dhabi observatory captures images of rare interstellar comet

An astronomy centre deep in the Abu Dhabi desert has captured images of an interstellar comet streaking across the sky. Al Khatim Astronomical Observatory recorded 45 images of the rare celestial object – which Nasa says originated from outside our solar system – on Thursday night. The observatory submitted its results to the Minor Planet Centre of the International Astronomical Union, making it the first Arab observatory to conduct scientific observations of the comet, state news agency Wam reported. The comet, which has been named 3I/Atlas, is about 670 million km from Earth. The Abu Dhabi team said sighting the comet was challenging as it appeared very faint and was visible only through large telescopes. The observation lasted 45 minutes. The comet appears in the images as a moving dot, while the stars appear as streaks. Nasa said the comet would remain visible to ground-based telescopes until September, after which it will be passing too close to the Sun to be observed. It is expected to reappear on the other side of the Sun by early December, once again allowing for observation. 'The comet poses no threat to Earth and will remain at a distance of at least 1.6 astronomical units (about 150 million miles or 240 million km),' a statement from the US space agency read. 'It is currently about 4.5 au from the Sun. 3I/Atlas will reach its closest approach to the Sun around October 30, at a distance of 1.4 au – just inside the orbit of Mars.' The celestial object, originally called A11pl3Z, was first reported by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (Atlas) survey telescope in Río Hurtado, Chile, on Tuesday.

Rare cosmic explosion observed over UAE skies
Rare cosmic explosion observed over UAE skies

Sharjah 24

time15-06-2025

  • Science
  • Sharjah 24

Rare cosmic explosion observed over UAE skies

Nova designated AT 2025nlr discovered in Lupus Constellation The nova, officially designated AT 2025nlr, was first detected on the evening of June 12 and confirmed on June 14. It appeared as a bright point of light in the Lupus constellation, known in Arabic as Al Sab ("The Seven"). Brightness allows viewing with small telescopes Currently shining at magnitude 8, the nova is just beyond naked-eye visibility but can be observed with small telescopes in dark-sky areas. Mohammed Shawkat Odeh, director of Al Khatim Observatory, noted its unusual brightness makes it a significant event for both amateur and professional astronomers. Al Khatim Observatory provides critical observations Following an urgent request from an international astronomical network, Al Khatim Observatory conducted photometric observations, recording the nova's brightness at 7.7 in infrared, 8.2 in green, and 8.3 in blue. These findings have been sent to global research centers monitoring the event. What is a Nova? Unlike supernovae, novae are not star deaths but surface explosions in binary star systems. The eruption occurs when material from one star accumulates on its white dwarf companion, triggering a thermonuclear blast visible from Earth. Southern location gives Al Khatim strategic importance Because the nova lies deep in the southern celestial hemisphere, it is not visible from most observatories in Europe and North America, making the role of Al Khatim Observatory vital for continued observation. Discovery by ASAS-SN Global Sky Survey The nova was initially discovered by the All Sky Automated Survey for SuperNovae (ASAS-SN), a global project led by Ohio State University. ASAS-SN operates a network of 20 robotic telescopes across both hemispheres, scanning the entire sky daily to detect transient cosmic events such as novae, supernovae, and gamma-ray bursts.

UAE contributes to discovering new exoplanets, marks major milestone in astronomical research
UAE contributes to discovering new exoplanets, marks major milestone in astronomical research

Economy ME

time11-06-2025

  • Science
  • Economy ME

UAE contributes to discovering new exoplanets, marks major milestone in astronomical research

The UAE's International Astronomical Center announced today that the Al Khatim Astronomical Observatory, located in the Abu Dhabi desert, has participated in observing and confirming the existence of exoplanets, marking a scientific milestone that reflects the UAE's growing role in astronomical research. An exoplanet is any planet located beyond the solar system. The achievement reinforces the UAE's active participation in leading international scientific projects aimed at deepening the understanding of the universe and exploring the potential for life beyond Earth. UAE collaborates with NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite Commenting on the UAE's latest achievement, Eng. Khalfan Al Nuaimi, president of the International Astronomical Center, said that this contribution formed part of a collaboration with NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS). The UAE-based observatory employs techniques to analyze minute fluctuations in stellar brightness to detect planets passing in front of their host stars, a widely adopted method for discovering exoplanets. Meanwhile, Eng. Mohammad Shawkat Odeh, director of the center, added that the Al Khatim Observatory officially joined the TESS Follow-up Observing Program (TFOP) in June 2024, following the successful completion of a rigorous training program led by international experts, followed by a successful practical test observing a candidate planet. The accomplishment of discovering exoplanets aligns with the UAE's strategic directives to strengthen its scientific leadership and contribute to global efforts to unlock the secrets of the cosmos, supported by state-of-the-art infrastructure and an ambitious vision for the future. Source: WAM Read: UAE's MBRSC, Firefly Aerospace partner to deploy Rashid 2 Rover to far side of moon UAE expands space exploration efforts The discovery of exoplanets is yet another milestone in the UAE's space exploration success story. In April this year, the UAE marked the anniversary of the first human spaceflight, continuing its significant contributions to space exploration led by its qualified national workforce and ambitious youth. This year's anniversary highlighted the UAE's emergence as a leading space exploration success story in the Arab and regional spheres. Its accomplishments include groundbreaking projects and the development of a skilled generation of astronauts, administrators and technical personnel. The UAE achieved a historic milestone in the first quarter of this year by launching six satellites: Thuraya 4, MBZ-SAT, Al Ain Sat-1, HCT-SAT 1, the second phase of Foresight Constellation, and Etihad-SAT. Recent milestones also included February's agreement between Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Center (MBRSC) and Thales Alenia Space. Under the agreement, Thales Alenia Space will be a strategic partner in the development of the Pressure Equalisation Unit of the Gateway Lunar Space Station. The UAE's participation in this project signifies a major step in its strategy to establish a prominent global presence in space science and technology. The UAE joined the Gateway project in January 2024 alongside the U.S., Japan, Canada, and the European Union, and announced its intent to send the first Emirati and Arab astronaut to lunar orbit.

Emirati observatory contributes to discovering new exoplanets
Emirati observatory contributes to discovering new exoplanets

Sharjah 24

time11-06-2025

  • Science
  • Sharjah 24

Emirati observatory contributes to discovering new exoplanets

The achievement reinforces the UAE's active participation in leading international scientific projects aimed at deepening the understanding of the universe and exploring the potential for life beyond Earth. Eng. Khalfan Al Nuaimi, President of the International Astronomical Centre, stated that this contribution formed part of a collaboration with NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS). The Emirati observatory employs techniques to analyse minute fluctuations in stellar brightness in order to detect planets passing in front of their host stars — a widely adopted method for discovering exoplanets. Eng. Mohammad Shawkat Odeh, Director of the Centre, added that the Al Khatim Observatory officially joined the TESS Follow-up Observing Programme (TFOP) in June 2024, following the successful completion of a rigorous training programme led by international experts, followed by a successful practical test observing a candidate planet. This accomplishment aligns with the UAE's strategic directives to strengthen its scientific leadership and contribute to global efforts to unlock the secrets of the cosmos, supported by state-of-the-art infrastructure and an ambitious vision for the future.

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