Latest news with #InternationalAstronomyCenter
Dubai Eye
11-06-2025
- Science
- Dubai Eye
UAE astronomers detect exoplanets orbiting distant stars
Astronomers in the UAE have detected exoplanets orbiting stars far beyond the solar system, the Abu Dhabi-based International Astronomy Centre announced. Al Khatem Astronomical Observatory, located deep in the Abu Dhabi desert, worked in partnership with the NASA Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) mission. The astronmers analysed subtle changes in the brightness of stars to detect the transit of planets in front of them - a technique used to discover exoplanets. Eng. Khalfan Al Nuaimi, Chairman of the International Astronomy Center, said the detection of these planets is based on preliminary data provided by the TESS telescope, and is being verified on Earth through a global network of specialised observatories. Eng. Mohammed Shawkat Awda, Director of the International Astronomy Center, said that the Al Khatim Observatory officially joined the TESS Follow-Up Observing Program (TFOP) program in June 2024, after completing a rigorous training program conducted by international experts, followed by a successful practical test to observe one of the candidate planets. He explained that since joining, it has conducted a series of nighttime observations, each lasting between four and seven hours, focusing on 12 stars suspected of having planets. He noted that using its main telescope, it was able to transform the status of 10 of these stars from "candidate planets" to "confirmed planets," an achievement that demonstrates the precision of the observatory's research. Official documents from the Global Programme indicate that the Khatem Observatory achieved these results independently, reflecting the efficiency of its equipment and the accuracy of the observations it provides, especially in light of the environmental challenges facing ground-based observations. Awda emphasised that this contribution represents an important scientific step for the UAE in the field of space exploration, placing it in a leading position in the search for planets that may be habitable, or providing new insights into the formation and evolution of planets in distant galaxies.
TAG 91.1
11-06-2025
- Science
- TAG 91.1
UAE astronomers detect exoplanets orbiting distant stars
UAE astronomers have reportedly detected the existence of exoplanets orbiting stars far beyond our solar system, the Abu-Dhabi based International Astronomy Centre announced. Al Khatem Astronomical Observatory, located deep in the Abu Dhabi desert, analysed subtle changed in the brightness of stars to detect the transit of planets in front of them - a technique used to discover exoplanets - in cooperation with the NASA Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) mission. His Excellency Eng. Khalfan Al Nuaimi, Chairman of the International Astronomy Center, said the detection of these planets is based on preliminary data provided by the TESS telescope, and is being verified on Earth through a global network of specialised observatories. Eng. Mohammed Shawkat Awda, Director of the International Astronomy Center, said that the Al Khatim Observatory officially joined the TESS Follow-Up Observing Program (TFOP) program in June 2024, after completing a rigorous training program conducted by international experts, followed by a successful practical test to observe one of the candidate planets. He explained that since joining, it has conducted a series of nighttime observations, each lasting between four and seven hours, focusing on 12 stars suspected of having planets. He noted that using its main telescope, it was able to transform the status of 10 of these stars from "candidate planets" to "confirmed planets," an achievement that demonstrates the precision of the observatory's research. Official documents from the Global Programme indicate that the Khatem Observatory achieved these results independently, reflecting the efficiency of its equipment and the accuracy of the observations it provides, especially in light of the environmental challenges facing ground-based observations. Awda emphasized that this contribution represents an important scientific step for the UAE in the field of space exploration, placing it in a leading position in the search for planets that may be habitable, or providing new insights into the formation and evolution of planets in distant galaxies.
The Sun
26-05-2025
- Science
- The Sun
Hari Raya Aidiladha expected to fall on June 6
PETALING JAYA: Muslims in most Islamic countries are expected to celebrate Hari Raya Aidiladha on June 6 (Friday), according to the International Astronomy Center. The Abu Dhabi-based center announced that the new crescent moon marking the beginning of Zulhijjah 1446H is expected to be visible on Tuesday, May 27, reported the Emirates News Agency (WAM). The center's director, Mohammad Shawkat Odeh, said the crescent moon can be observed using telescopes in several parts of Central and Western Asia, most regions of Africa, and Europe. He added that the crescent moon may also be visible without telescopic assistance in some parts of the Americas. Based on these astronomical calculations, May 28 is expected to be the first day of Zulhijjah, making Aidiladha fall on the 10th day, which is Friday, June 6.
Roya News
28-04-2025
- General
- Roya News
Eid Al-Adha 2025: Astronomical predictions for holiday date
As the month of Dhu al-Hijjah approaches, Muslims worldwide eagerly await the date of Eid al-Adha for the year 2025 (1446 AH). According to astronomical calculations, Eid al-Adha this year is expected to fall in June 2025, with a slight possibility of variation depending on the moon sighting. Saudi astronomical forecasts, based on data from the International Astronomy Center and the Saudi Calendar Association affiliated with King Saud University, indicate that the new moon of Dhu al-Hijjah will be born on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at 5:03 AM Mecca time. Accordingly, it is expected that Wednesday, May 28, will be the first day of Dhu al-Hijjah. This means that Thursday, June 5, 2025, will be the Day of Arafah (9 Dhu al-Hijjah), and Eid al-Adha will begin on Friday, June 6, 2025 (10 Dhu al-Hijjah), lasting until Monday, June 9, 2025 (13 Dhu al-Hijjah). These dates align with estimates from the Turkish Directorate of Religious Affairs and the International Astronomy Center. However, some countries may differ in determining the first day of Eid based on local moon sighting methods. For example, astronomical estimates in Oman suggest that Eid al-Adha may begin on Saturday, June 7, highlighting potential variations in astronomical interpretations or local sighting practices. The final dates will ultimately be confirmed by official announcements from Saudi Arabia's religious authorities, such as the Supreme Court, after the moon sighting. Eid al-Adha lasts for four days, from the 10th to the 13th of Dhu al-Hijjah. Including the Day of Arafah (the day before Eid), the official holiday is expected to span five consecutive days, starting from Thursday, June 5 (Day of Arafah), and ending Monday, June 9, 2025.
Khaleej Times
31-03-2025
- Science
- Khaleej Times
Eid Al Fitr: Why Moon sighting, not Shawwal crescent size, matters in declaring end of Ramadan
The Shawwal Moon sighting committee in several countries declared Sunday, March 30, as the first day of Eid Al Fitr. Many in the Islamic world noticed the crescent Moon appearing larger than usual after sunset on the first day of Shawwal. It sparked some confusion in the Arab world over the date of the first day of Eid Al Fitr. To clear any confusion about the Moon's size, Eng Mohammed Odeh Shawkat, Director of the International Astronomy Center, offered a detailed clarification on why the crescent appeared particularly large on Sunday evening, March 30. He said that the primary reason for this visual change lies in the Moon's movement relative to the sun during the final days of the Islamic lunar month. The crescent is farther from the sun when the Islamic month reaches its 30th day. This increase in distance causes the crescent's appearance to be noticeably larger. "The moon's movement over just one day can lead to a significant change in its size," Shawkat wrote on X. Shawkat emphasised that the size of the crescent is not directly tied to the validity of the moon sighting; however, seeing it is essential in determining the start of a new Hijri month. "What matters most is observing the crescent on the evening of the 29th of the month. If the Moon is not visible due to its low altitude and brightness, the 30th day is considered the last day of the month, and the new month begins the following day. On that evening, the crescent will appear relatively high and large." He explained further, "To illustrate this, take the example of the current month of Shawwal: the Moon set on Saturday ten minutes after sunset in the centre of the Arab world. Consequently, most Islamic countries declared that the crescent had not been sighted and that Sunday was the last day of Ramadan." Due to the Moon's movement, since the setting time increases by an average of 50 minutes each day, the crescent on Sunday set more than an hour after sunset, appearing relatively large. Shawkat said, "This does not mean that the beginning of the month is wrong; quite the opposite. The crescent never appears small after sunset on the 30th or the first day of the new Hijri month." On Sunday, March 30, the Moon set 74 minutes after sunset in Riyadh, 82 minutes after sunset in Amman, 81 minutes after sunset in Cairo, and 93 minutes after sunset in Rabat. This extended visibility caused the crescent to appear much larger than previous evenings. So, after sunset on Monday, the first day of Shawwal in most Islamic countries, the crescent will be even larger and remain visible for more than two hours. "It is important to note that this phenomenon is entirely normal and consistent with the natural movement of the moon," he explained. Shawkat also clarified that after sunset on the first day of the new Hijri month, the crescent observed is actually the crescent of the second night. Therefore, it will appear much larger than what would typically be seen on the first night of the new month.
