Latest news with #InternationalAstronomicalCentre
Sharjah 24
11-06-2025
- 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.
Time Out Dubai
10-06-2025
- Time Out Dubai
Astronomers predict 8 UAE public holiday dates in 2026: Eid Al Adha, Eid Al Fitr and Islamic New Year
The International Astronomical Centre has announced its predictions for several of the UAE's major public holidays to begin in 2026. The astronomy experts have shared insights into crescent moon sightings, which could have a major bearing on when we can expect to get time off work next year. Start dates for holidays such as Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha and the Islamic New Year all shift around the calendar as they are tied to monthly moon sightings. The Islamic calendar is based on the cycles of the moon, unlike the more widely used Gregorian calendar, which is based on the sun. Each Islamic month lasts either 29 or 30 days, depending on the moon's visibility. Consequently, a lunar year is approximately 354 or 355 days long, which is about 10 to 12 days shorter than the solar year used in the Gregorian calendar. Because of the shorter year, Islamic months drift through the Gregorian calendar. And, as the current Islamic year 1446 draws to a close, the International Astronomical Centre in Abu Dhabi has revealed the predicted start dates in the region for the Islamic Year of 1447. The Islamic New Year 1447 is currently predicted to begin on the Gregorian date of Thursday June 26. Astronomers predict Eid Al Fitr start date 2026 Eid Al Fitr start date predicted (Credit: Canva) The final day of Ramadan is predicted to be Thursday March 19 in 2026. After the month of Ramadan comes the month of Shawwal and Eid Al Fitr. In the UAE public holidays law, the Eid Al Fitr holiday is the first three days of Shawwal. An additional public holiday is added if Ramadan is a 30-day month. But in 2026, Ramadan is predicted to be a 29-day month, which means that the Eid Al Fitr break should begin on Friday March 20. As a result, we're likely to get a three-day long weekend. Astronomers predict Eid Al Adha start date 2026 We'll find out when Eid Al Adha begins once the Dhu Al Hijjah start date is confirmed (Credit: Canva) Dhu Al Hijjah is predicted to begin on Monday May 18 2026. If predictions are correct, then that means that the Eid Al Adha public holiday will begin on Tuesday May 26 with Arafat Day. The holiday would then roll into Wednesday May 27, Thursday May 28 and Friday May 29. When combined with the weekend, the Eid Al Adha holiday will be a six-day long weekend in 2026, according to current predictions. Astronomers predict Islamic New Year start date 2026 Public holidays in 2026 predicted (Credit: Supplied) And, since the calendar has predicted the start date of the final month of the Islamic calendar, the Islamic New Year in 2026 can also be predicted. Clear skies and high visibility are expected in the lead-up to the first month of the Islamic year 1448, which means that we can expect Dhu Al Hijjah to be a 29-day month. If this is the case, then the Islamic New Year will fall on Tuesday June 16. The Gregorian new year is also a public holiday in the United Arab Emirates and, of course, does not rely on any moon sightings. In 2026, the holiday will fall on Thursday January 1. More public holiday news There will be two Ramadans in 2030 – here's why This won't happen again until 2063 When you can expect three Eid holidays in one year (yes, three) Eid, sleep, repeat UAE public holidays 2026: All the predicted days off next year revealed Including when we can expect a six-day weekend
Borneo Post
26-05-2025
- Science
- Borneo Post
Hari Raya Haji (Eid-Al-Adha) likely to fall on Friday, June 6, says Abu Dhabi-based astronomical centre
File photo for illustration purposes KUCHING (May 26): Hari Raya Haji (Eid al-Adha) is expected to fall on Friday, June 6 in most Islamic countries, according to the International Astronomical Centre. The Abu Dhabi-based centre said the crescent moon marking the beginning of Dhu al-Hijjah 1446H is likely to be visible on Tuesday, May 27, according to the Emirates News Agency (WAM) as reported by Bernama. The centre's director, Mohammad Shawkat Odeh was cited as saying that the moon will be observable through telescopes in parts of Central and Western Asia, most of Africa and Europe. He added that the crescent moon could also be seen without telescopes in several parts of the Americas. Based on these astronomical calculations, May 28 is expected to be the first day of Dhu al-Hijjah, placing Eid al-Adha on the 10th day – Friday, June 6. Eid al-Adha is the second of the two major Islamic festivals and coincides with the annual Haj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. – Bernama Hari Raya Haji International Astronomical Centre lead moon
Hi Dubai
26-05-2025
- Science
- Hi Dubai
Eid al-Adha Anticipated on June 6 in Majority of Islamic Countries
The International Astronomical Centre has confirmed that the crescent moon marking the start of Dhu al-Hijjah 1446 AH will be sighted on Tuesday, May 27, signaling the beginning of this important Islamic month. Engineer Mohammad Shawkat Odeh, Director of the Abu Dhabi-based centre, explained that the new moon will be visible using telescopes in parts of Central and Western Asia, as well as across most of Africa and Europe. In addition, large areas of the Americas may see the crescent with the naked eye. These astronomical observations indicate that Wednesday, May 28, will likely be the first day of Dhu al-Hijjah in many Islamic countries. This sets the stage for Eid al-Adha to be celebrated on Friday, June 6. The announcement provides clarity for Muslims worldwide who rely on moon sightings to determine the start of religious months and festivities. The International Astronomical Centre's forecast helps unify the observance of Dhu al-Hijjah and Eid al-Adha across diverse regions, bridging traditional practices with modern astronomy. News Source: Emirates News Agency
Zawya
26-05-2025
- Science
- Zawya
Eid Al Adha expected on June 6 in most Islamic countries: IAC
ABU DHABI: The International Astronomical Centre announced that the crescent moon marking the start of Dhu al-Hijjah 1446 AH will be observed on Tuesday, 27th May, across the Islamic world. Engineer Mohammad Shawkat Odeh, Director of the Abu Dhabi-based centre, said that moon sighting will be possible with telescopes from parts of Central and Western Asia, as well as most of Africa and Europe. Additionally, it may be visible to the naked eye in large areas of the Americas. Based on these astronomical predictions, Wednesday, 28th May is expected to be the first day of Dhu al-Hijjah, making Friday, 6th June the likely date for the first day of Eid al-Adha in most Islamic countries.
