Skip to main content

Astronomy in the Arab world discussed at AUS

AUS holds astronomy class
Sharjah, (UAE): American University of Sharjah (AUS) held a high-impact seminar entitled Steps for an Arab Astronomy Renaissance at its campus on May 14, 2014. The event, which was held in partnership with Nature Publishing Group (NPG) and the Dubai Astronomy Group (DAG), drew a large audience comprising students, faculty members, university officials as well as members of the public.

The seminar, which was hosted by Mohammed Yahia—editor ofNature Middle East and a prominent science journalist who also represented Nature Arabic Edition, a scientific publication in Arabic by Nature Publishing Group—was a follow up on the article on the state of Arab astronomy published earlier in Nature by Dr. Nidhal Guessoum, Professor of Physics and Associate Dean, College of Arts and Science. The event featured a number of exciting presentations, including an engaging review of the state of Arab astronomy by Dr. Guessoum.

Commenting on the importance of seminars such as these throughout the region, Yahia said, "Over the past few years we have seen the start of a science renaissance in the Arab world, with many young people yearning to read about science and produce high-quality research. This may be the perfect time for them to reach out to their strong historic roots in astronomy, a science that blossomed under medieval Arab scientists."

Yahia observed, "There is a clear need among young Arabs to learn about astronomy. It is time that Arab states capitalize on that enthusiasm and work to appear on the international astronomy research map. With a little investment and visionary leadership, Arab states may once again become world players in astronomy."

“Arab astronomical observatories are currently too few and too small to appear on any world map of observational astronomy,” explained Dr. Guessoum in his talk. “This is astounding, considering the place that astronomy occupies in the Arab-Islamic culture and the human and financial capacities of the region,” he added. “Building even mid-size observatories will help launch a renaissance in astronomy and science in the Arab world,” Dr. Guessoum concluded.

Following Dr. Guessoum’s presentation, Hasan Ahmad Al Hariri, CEO of Dubai Astronomy Group, which has been awarded the development of the UAE National Observatory Project, delivered a lecture on the state of the project. “Though our present may appear gloomy, it does not mean our future will be the same,” he said. ”The UAE government has recognized the importance of such projects and has taken serious steps to revitalize this area of knowledge in the Arab and Muslim World,” Al Hariri assured. ”The Al Marsad project is a milestone and is the first of many more to come.”

The event also featured two short presentations by students of Dr. Guessoum. The first presentation, by students Noora AlSaeed and Nada Adbdelhafez, focused on the search for the best sites in the Arab world for astronomical observatories. The second, by AUS student Abdelaziz Alzarouni, took a look at the Al-Kawn YouTube astronomy show in Arabic, which he has been conducting with Dr. Guessoum.

The event demonstrated the various steps undertaken by AUS, NPG and DAG to help push Arab astronomy forward with various big and small projects at a time when the state of Arab astronomy leaves a lot to be desired.

Special gallery displays by DAG comprising high-quality astronomical photographs, telescopes and publications were also on exhibit at the venue.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Why You Should Not Opt For IIT Bombay

This article is written by IITians in the blog Actors Imran and Anushka during a cultural program at IIT Bombay If asked to compare IIT Bombay to IIT Delhi, most students say that the difference is negligible. Both are in metropolitan cities with good options for hostels, PG accommodations, food and entertainment. Cultural activities are equally good as is the faculty and study methodology. Even placements at the two IITS are amongst the best in the country. Yet figures indicate that the top JEE rank holders prefer Computer Science Engineering at IIT Mumbai rather than IIT Delhi. But, we are here to tell you when and why you can avoid IIT Mumbai. Mumbai IIT was earlier placed in the suburbs, away from the crowds, giving IITians the space and peace to pursue their career goals. Today the area in Powai is surrounded by high rise building, malls and traffic snarls, bringing with it all the clatter and patter of a metropolitan hub. Just like the population and popular
2 comments
Read more

Story of a B-Tech engineer’s love for music

Passion is one where everybody wants to plunge in. You may be forced to pursue alien paths in life. But your passion may be just opposite to that. Whatever, if you do a bit of research, you will get a path. Higher education is a world you have to choose carefully. That can lead you to peace and prosperity. Why I write this now is when I got a letter from a parent who is suffering from his son’s adamant approach to pursue a programme in music. As a parent he is not against music. But the thing is that, his son is an engineer. He had done his B-Tech from a premier tech-college of India- NIT. Now the son is working as an electrical engineer in a good firm in Bahrain. He draws around Rs.1 lakh per month. This is a good salary for a student who just now starts his career. But now the son wants to pursue his private passion- Music. He is an ardent music lover. His first few months salary was spent for setting up a studio at home. He bought few good expensive instruments and music equipmen
1 comment
Read more

Second Pakistani University opens in UAE

Abasyn University RAS AL KHAIMAH, (UAE): One more Pakistani University has started its operations in Ras Al Khaimah with a mission to provide good quality affordable education for Pakistani families living in UAE. Name as “Abasyn University ”, the new educational platform will offer degree courses to the 800 to 1,000 pupils who comes out of Pakistani high schools in the UAE every year. Previously Szabist University in Dubai was the only Pakistani university in the emirates. Abasyn’s Ras Al Khaimah centre is its overseas branch campus. As a famed brand in Pakistan, the Abasyn University has campuses in Peshawar and Islamabad. Abasyn University is considered to be more affordable as it charges only Dh1,200 a month. This makes it more affordable than Szabist which charges Dh1,900, and Abasyn is significantly cheaper than other institutions. On average, university fees in the UAE start at about Dh25,000 a year. However, for anything science or engineering based, costs can rise
4 comments
Read more