Latest news with #DepartmentofAppliedPhysicsandAstronomy
Sharjah 24
2 days ago
- Science
- Sharjah 24
Astronomy and Space Sciences Master's Thesis Defense at UOS
Distinguished Examination Panel The examination committee was chaired by Prof. Hamid M.K. Al Naimiy, Director of SAASST. Other members included Prof. Mounir Kaidi, Chair of the Department of Applied Physics and Astronomy at UoS, who served as the internal examiner, and Dr. Aquib Moin, Associate Professor of Astronomy and Space Sciences at UAE University, who served as the external examiner. The thesis was supervised by Prof. Mashhoor Al-Wardat, Professor of Astrophysics at UoS and Director of the Academic Affairs Department at SAASST. Detailed Stellar Analysis The study aimed to analyze the parameters and behavior of two Cepheid variable stars, focusing on spectral and magnitude variations during their pulsation cycles. The results revealed that the Cepheid Variable FF Aql, part of the triple star system (HD 176155) showed variation in its radius from 51.4 to 58 solar radii and its temperature between 5275 K and 5800 K during its 4.47-day pulsation cycle. Its mass was found to be 5.7 solar masses, where the total mass of the system is 9.53 solar masses with a metallicity similar to the sun (Z=0.019), classifying it as a Population I (Third Generation) Star. RS Puppis Insights As for RS Puppis, it has a larger radius, ranging from 192 to 202 solar radii, and a temperature variation between 4200 and 4675 K over a period of 41.5 days, with a mass of approximately 8.5 solar masses. Space missions such as GAIA and HIPPARCOS, along with ground-based observations and the use of Al-Wadat's Method for analyzing stellar systems was used to derive these results. Contributions to Cosmology The findings of this thesis contribute to the understanding of Cepheid variables and their essential role in measuring cosmic expansion, by providing accurate data on stellar variation where it enhances the precision of astronomical models. Degree Officially Granted At the conclusion of the defense, the committee approved the thesis and awarded Naufa Nazar a Master's degree in Astronomy and Space Sciences.
Sharjah 24
17-06-2025
- Science
- Sharjah 24
Astronomy and Space Sciences Master's thesis defense at SAASST
The examining committee included Prof Attaelmanan Gaffar, Professor in the Department of Applied Physics and Astronomy; Prof Mashhoor Al-Wardat, Professor of Astrophysics at UOS and Director of the Academic Affairs Department at SAASST; and Prof Ahmad Abushattal, Associate Professor at Al-Hussein Bin Talal University in Jordan, who served as the external examiner. The study aimed to rigorously evaluate the potential for stable and habitable exoplanetary orbits within binary star systems by integrating high-precision astrometric, photometric, and spectrophotometric techniques with dynamical modeling. The binary system HD 21841 was comprehensively analyzed using a novel hybrid framework that combines Tokovinin's orbital fitting with Al-Wardat's synthetic SED method, alongside Gaia and Hipparcos astrometric data. The study derived high-precision stellar parameters and revised orbital elements, showing remarkable consistency and alignment with independent datasets. A critically narrow overlap between the system's conservative habitable zone and the circumbinary orbital stability region was identified, pointing to a unique area where Earth-like planets could potentially exist and remain stable. The thesis demonstrates how binary star systems traditionally viewed as hostile to planetary stability, can in fact, harbor conditions suitable for life. The findings contribute valuable benchmarks for the modeling of exoplanetary systems and establish a scientific precedent for future exploration of habitability in complex stellar environments. By the end of discussion, the committee approved the thesis and awarded the researcher a Master's degree in Astronomy and Space Sciences.
