ABU DHABI // The UAE is setting up a telescope observatory centre to increase awareness about space.
Dr Mohammed Al Ahbabi, director general of the UAE Space Agency, said time at the facility would be allocated to universities and researchers.
“It’s still in early stages,” he said. “But our plan is simple. We want the UAE to be a hub for space and a powerhouse in the region. The telescope will increase awareness and attract people who can see the stars.”
Although the location of the telescope has not been determined, it will be open to the public.
“The plans are still under consideration,” Dr Al Ahbabi said. “We will be the facilitator working with all partners because this is the most effective way.
“You cannot do everything by yourself, you need to work with academia, funding agencies, business people, and work as a group for things to move.”
Dr Nidhal Guessoum, an astrophysicist at the American University of Sharjah, said there was a need for observatories in the Arab world and to promote astronomy as a worthy field of study and research.
“The fact that there is only one telescope larger than one metre in the entire Arab world, built more than 50 years ago, is depressing,” he said, referring to the Kottamiyya telescope outside Cairo in Egypt.
“I am thus delighted to note that the UAE is again showing leadership in this much-awaited Arab astronomy renaissance.” He said having one high-class observatory would constitute a major contribution to world astronomy, as several celestial events benefit from being followed around the world.
“Sometimes, events occur that need immediate observation and some telescopes may already be booked,” he said. “Some students also now pursue research topics in the subject and having a professional-standard observatory nearby will take those studies to a higher level.”
Dr Guessoum said the number of astronomers should increase.
“This will certainly be greatly helped by the new observatory, which will attract Arab and non-Arab specialists, projects and collaborations.”
Matthew Cochran, chairman of the Defence Marketing Services Council in Abu Dhabi, said the new telescope was crucial to improve the public’s understanding of space.
“There is lots of information out there,” he said. “Depending on how the UAE sets up the centre, it will have a very positive impact on everyone from my seven-year-old child who gets to see the rings of Saturn for the first time all the way to the researchers at UAE universities who carry on the fascination into scientific discovery.
“If the UAE can establish a major centre for both professional astronomers and the general public, then you will have a real draw for people to learn more about planets in our galaxy.”
The Netherlands-based Mars One organisation commended the project, which it said would attract more people to space.
“Space is humanity’s next destination,” said Bas Lansdorp, Mars One’s co-founder and chief executive. “The observatory is yet another project of the UAE to be a part of the journey. Increasing the interest of students and the general public now will ensure even more push to conquer that frontier in the future.”
cmalek@thenational.ae
