Latest news with #OSAS
Observer
4 days ago
- Science
- Observer
Earth to reach its Aphelion in Oman Skies tomorrow
Muscat: The skies of the Sultanate of Oman will show a unique annual astronomical phenomenon tomorrow as the sun reaches aphelion (farthest point from the Sun) at 11:55 p.m, according to Oman Society of Astronomy and Space (OSAS). By Oman time, this represents the farthest point that the Earth reaches in its elliptical orbit around the sun. The distance between the Earth and the sun at this moment stands at approximately 152,087,738 kilometres, a difference of nearly 5 million kilometres from the closest point known as perihelion. Ibrahim Mohammed al Mahrouqi, Deputy Chairman of Oman Society for Astronomy and Space, said that the phenomena of aphelion and perihelion are linked to the nature of the Earth's orbit around the sun, which is actually not perfectly circular but rather elliptical in shape. This causes the distance between the Earth and the sun to keep changing throughout the year. Al Mahrouqi explained that, while the 'aphelion' occurs this year on July 4, while 'perihelion' will happen on January 3, 2026, when the Earth approaches the Sun at a distance estimated to be approximately 147,099,894 kilometres. Al Mahrouqi pointed out that OSAS continues to monitor and document these phenomena with the aim of raising astronomical awareness, simplifying astronomical concepts and linking them to our scientific and environmental reality.
Muscat Daily
18-06-2025
- Climate
- Muscat Daily
Summer solstice on June 21 marks start of khareef in Dhofar
Muscat – The summer solstice, which marks the official beginning of astronomical summer, will occur on Saturday, June 21, the Oman Space and Astronomical Society (OSAS) has confirmed. The event coincides with the onset of the much-anticipated Khareef (monsoon) season in the Dhofar governorate. The solstice is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, when the sun reaches its highest point in the sky at noon. In Oman, it also signals the start of the annual khareef phenomenon that transforms Dhofar into a lush green landscape, attracting thousands of visitors from within the sultanate and across the region. The Oman Space and Astronomical Society noted that on this day, the sun will be directly overhead at the Tropic of Cancer, ushering in intense summer heat in most parts of the country – while the southern region experiences cooling monsoon rains. The khareef season, which typically lasts until September, is a vital period for tourism in Salalah and surrounding areas, known for their misty hills, flowing wadis, and mild weather. Authorities have already begun preparations to welcome an influx of tourists, with efforts focused on traffic management, accommodation readiness, and enhanced public services across Dhofar
Muscat Daily
19-05-2025
- Science
- Muscat Daily
OSAS promotes astronomy and science outreach in Tanzania
Muscat – Oman Space and Astronomical Society (OSAS) has successfully completed a visit to Tanzania aimed at promoting astronomy, moonsighting standardisation and citizen science outreach. Led by OSAS board member Abdulwahab Sulaiman al Busaidi and UK-based expert in Islamic moonsighting Ibrahim Jaafar, the visit included lectures, meetings with religious scholars, and strategic partnerships with government and religious institutions. The lectures covered topics ranging from galaxy formation to satellite communications, highlighting astronomy's role in national development and youth empowerment through citizen science. Speaking to Muscat Daily, Busaidi, who delivered a lecture titled 'Astronomy and Faith: Bridging Science and Islam', said, 'Our goal was not only to share knowledge but to plant the seeds of long-term collaboration in space science between Oman and Tanzania. Faith and science are not opposites. When aligned, they enhance our understanding of the universe and enrich spiritual practices.' The delegation's itinerary included key academic institutions, such as Zanzibar State University, Karume Institute of Science and Technology and Sumait University. A major highlight of the visit was a presentation on moonsighting and astronomy at Zanzibar Grand Mosque, where Busaidi discussed the Islamic importance of unified lunar observations using scientific tools. The visit also included a high-profile event at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre in Dar es Salaam attended by senior officials – Oman's Ambassador to Tanzania H E Saud al Shidhani and the Deputy Mufti of Tanzania. The event also featured a meeting with President Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi of Zanzibar. 'Tanzania has the potential to become a space science leader in Africa. This is not just science diplomacy – it's a shared vision of enlightenment,' said Busaidi. He added that the visit included a proposal to establish the Zanzibar Astronomy and Space Society and involve Tanzanian students in NASA's International Astronomical Search Collaboration.
Zawya
19-05-2025
- Science
- Zawya
Oman: Star Park in Jabel Shams to promote scientific tourism
The Environment Authority recently signed a contract to establish the Star Park project in Jebel Shams, Al Hamra, with the Omani Society for Astronomy and Space (OSAS), which includes a permanent astronomical and environmental camp for scientific tourism. Ali bin Amer Al Shaibani, a member of the Board of Directors of the Omani Society for Astronomy and Space, said: "This community-based astronomical environmental project is the first of its kind in the region. It is the culmination of years of efforts, including more than 15 field visits to the site, the preparation of technical and financial studies, and designs inspired by the Omani environment, in addition to the development of a long-term sustainability plan. He considered this step a national achievement in the context of promoting scientific tourism, supporting innovation in the fields of astronomy and the environment, and motivating young people to invest in knowledge and experience. He emphasized that Oman's mountainous environment deserves to be a platform for pioneering scientific and tourism experiences." The project is expected to host diverse programs and activities, becoming an international tourist and scientific destination, including awareness campaigns and programs, workshops, astronomical observation evenings, and scientific lectures, in addition to serving as a platform for showcasing the experiences of amateurs and specialists. The project's architectural design is in harmony with the environmental identity of the site. The exterior is inspired by the juniper tree, an endangered perennial Omani tree that grows high in the Western Hajar Mountains. The proposed project site is located within the Western Hajar Starlight Reserve in Jebel Shams, Al Dakhiliyah Governorate. This natural area boasts stunning views, a moderate climate in the summer and a cool climate in the winter, and a unique nighttime view of the Milky Way. 2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Observer
18-05-2025
- Science
- Observer
Star Park in Jabel Shams to promote scientific tourism
The Environment Authority recently signed a contract to establish the Star Park project in Jebel Shams, Al Hamra, with the Omani Society for Astronomy and Space (OSAS), which includes a permanent astronomical and environmental camp for scientific tourism. Ali bin Amer Al Shaibani, a member of the Board of Directors of the Omani Society for Astronomy and Space, said: "This community-based astronomical environmental project is the first of its kind in the region. It is the culmination of years of efforts, including more than 15 field visits to the site, the preparation of technical and financial studies, and designs inspired by the Omani environment, in addition to the development of a long-term sustainability plan. He considered this step a national achievement in the context of promoting scientific tourism, supporting innovation in the fields of astronomy and the environment, and motivating young people to invest in knowledge and experience. He emphasized that Oman's mountainous environment deserves to be a platform for pioneering scientific and tourism experiences." The project is expected to host diverse programs and activities, becoming an international tourist and scientific destination, including awareness campaigns and programs, workshops, astronomical observation evenings, and scientific lectures, in addition to serving as a platform for showcasing the experiences of amateurs and specialists. The project's architectural design is in harmony with the environmental identity of the site. The exterior is inspired by the juniper tree, an endangered perennial Omani tree that grows high in the Western Hajar Mountains. The proposed project site is located within the Western Hajar Starlight Reserve in Jebel Shams, Al Dakhiliyah Governorate. This natural area boasts stunning views, a moderate climate in the summer and a cool climate in the winter, and a unique nighttime view of the Milky Way.
