Latest news with #TameemAlTamimi
Time of India
01-07-2025
- Science
- Time of India
5,000 light-year-old nebula photographed in UAE: A first for Emirati astronomers
Crescent Nebula captured in stunning detail from UAE skies. (Tameem Al Tamimi / Emirates Astronomy Society) In a remarkable astronomical achievement, astrophotographers from the Emirates Astronomy Society (EAS) have captured breathtaking images of a distant nebula from the skies of the UAE. The phenomenon was spotted in the country's eastern mountainous regions, offering a rare and awe-inspiring view of the Crescent Nebula, an object located thousands of light-years away from Earth. What Was Seen: the Crescent Nebula The celestial object observed is the Crescent Nebula, scientifically designated as NGC 6888 and also known as Caldwell 27-Sharpless 105. This stunning emission nebula lies in the Cygnus constellation, roughly 5,000 light-years away from Earth. According to Tamim Al Tamimi, a member of the Emirates Astronomy Society and an astronomical photographer, the nebula was not only observed but also photographed in high resolution, providing a vivid glimpse into deep space from the UAE. How the Nebula Was Formed The nebula's origin is tied to a dramatic cosmic event involving a dying star. Ibrahim Al Jarwan, Chairman of the Emirates Astronomy Society, explained the formation process in a statement to WAM (Emirates News Agency). by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Memperdagangkan CFD Emas dengan salah satu spread terendah? IC Markets Mendaftar Undo He said the Crescent Nebula was created by strong stellar winds from a Wolf-Rayet star, known as WR 136, which clashed with material previously ejected by the same star during its red giant phase. The result is a massive glowing bubble of gas composed largely of ionized hydrogen and oxygen. 'This large gas bubble of ionized hydrogen and oxygen is formed and appears in fine detail when imaged using narrow-field techniques,' Al Jarwan noted. How the Image Was Captured The stunning images were the result of over 10 hours of observation, using specialized filters, H-alpha and O3, that help isolate specific wavelengths of light emitted by the nebula's chemical elements. The data was then processed using the HOO (H-alpha, OIII, OIII) scientific color mode to clearly reveal the chemical structures within the nebula. Capturing these detailed images required a combination of advanced equipment and careful planning. The setup included: Camera: Cooled ZWO ASI183MM Pro Telescope: Explore Scientific 152mm David H. Levy Comet Hunter Maksutov-Newtonian Mount: iOptron HAE43 Guidance System: ASIAir Plus Post-Processing Tools: PixInsight and Photoshop A Milestone for Emirati Astronomy The observation and photography of such a distant and intricate deep-sky object underscore the dedication and technical expertise of UAE's growing astronomy community. Al Jarwan emphasized that this achievement reflects the resilience of Emirati astrophotographers, who continue their work despite harsh environmental conditions. 'Night-time temperatures during the photographing period sometimes reach between 36 and 40 degrees Celsius in the mountainous or desert regions,' he said. This sighting not only showcases the beauty of space but also positions the UAE as an emerging center for serious astronomical observation and documentation, especially in regions not traditionally associated with deep-sky astrophotography.
Khaleej Times
27-05-2025
- General
- Khaleej Times
UAE: How astronomers spotted Dhul Hijjah moon; why 'every sighting matters'
It felt like traveling back in time to an era when faith and science walked hand in hand under open skies. At a serene, quiet hilltop in Dubai, far from buildings and the sea, scholars, researchers, and astronomers came together. Telescopes pointed toward the setting sun, while a few peered through binoculars in anticipation. The atmosphere was calm yet focused, united by a single purpose — to sight the new crescent Moon of Dhul Hijjah. At the beginning of every Islamic month, a group of experts gathers on a remote hilltop in Dubai to scan the skies. On Tuesday evening, Khaleej Times had exclusive access to this unique team — a mix of astronomers, scholars, and researchers, as they prepared to sight the crescent Moon, marking the start of Dhul Hijjah and the upcoming Eid Al Adha festival. This team is part of Dubai's permanent Moon sighting committee, which meets each month at Jebel Al Nazwa, a location selected for its clear view of the horizon and minimal humidity and haze. As the team arrived before sunset, around 5pm, they began setting up their equipment, from telescopes to astronomy apps and digital compasses. All instruments were aligned and calibrated to detect the very thin crescent Moon expected to appear shortly after sunset. 'We come to Jabel Al Nazwa every month because the conditions are ideal for sighting,' said Tameem Al Tamimi, a member of the Dubai Moon Sighting Committee. 'It's far from city lights and the sea. Humidity near coastal areas reduces visibility. This spot offers a dry, open sky.' According to the experts, the crescent of Dhul Hijjah was expected to stay on the horizon for just 38 minutes after sunset. 'Based on astronomical calculations, the Moon is positioned a few degrees above and to the right of the sun on Tuesday. It's a very slim crescent, just 0.5 percent illuminated, so it can't be seen with the naked eye, but instruments make it possible,' said Mohammed Al Kamali, deputy head of Dubai Moon Sighting Committee. As sunset approached, the team took their positions, scanning the western sky. Some sat on mats in the prayer area, and a few were on camping chairs, while others stood behind telescopes and tripods, carefully adjusting settings. 'There was a high probability of sighting the Moon,' said Tameem. 'But due to haze and low visibility, it was a challenge. That's why we use every tool available during this brief window.' What makes Dubai's Moon sighting practice unique is the composition of its committee. 'It's rare to see a permanent committee with religious scholars, researchers, and astronomers working together,' said Sheikh Mohammed Eyada Al Kubaisi, Grand Mufti at the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD). 'It's a collaboration that ensures both accuracy and unity.' While astronomical data guides predictions, physical confirmation is essential. 'We don't rely on calculations alone,' Sheikh Al Kubaisi said. 'Islam requires visual confirmation, which is why fieldwork like this is so important.' After offering the Maghrib prayer at the hilltop, the team resumed their observation. Everyone stayed focused, even if the crescent might not appear. 'Sometimes we see the Moon, sometimes we don't,' said Al Kamali. 'The important part is trying, with sincerity and precision. Every sighting matters.' The position of Saudi Arabia also influences the crescent's visibility, according to researchers and astronomers. 'Saudi Arabia is west of the UAE, so it has a slightly better chance of sighting the Moon,' said Al Kamali. 'As the sun sets further west, the crescent's visibility improves, even places like the US and Canada can see it with the naked eye under clear skies. But here in Dubai, we often succeed too, especially in good conditions.' For most, Eid announcements come through social media or news updates. Few realise the hours of preparation and coordination that go into confirming the sighting. 'We are out here for three to four hours, completely focused on confirming the Moon,' said Tameem. 'If we don't sight it in the available window, we consult other groups across the region.' As the observation came to an end, water and dates were passed around, a simple but heartfelt Emirati tradition. It's a gesture to quench the thirst and ease the fatigue after hours of patient effort under the open sky.
