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The UAE Space Agency, in cooperation with the International Astronomical Centre in Abu Dhabi, announced the organisation of a series of scientific lectures to raise public awareness about astronomy and space sciences. This aims to spread knowledge and awareness of astronomy in society and encourage the public to engage in these topics.
The lectures, which are free and open to the public, will be held on a weekly basis at the lecture hall at Gloria Hotel in Abu Dhabi from 7 PM to 9 PM. The lectures will feature a number of scientists and specialists in space and astronomy who will discuss a range of topics such as specifying prayer times, observing the crescent, identifying the beginning of Hijri months, solar and lunar eclipses, meteor showers, and observing astral bodies and identifying planets, stars and galaxies.
His Excellency Mohammed Nasser Al Ahbabi, Director General of the UAE Space Agency, said: “Raising social awareness about space and astronomy science is part of the Agency’s strategic plans and efforts to build capabilities and enhance knowledge about space and astronomy among all parts of society. These lectures and their interactive scientific activities will allow public audiences and students to learn stunning insights about space which will increase their interest in the national space sector.”
The first lecture was held on Wednesday, October 25, 2017, hosting Dr. Hamad Saleh from the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai. Dr. Saleh addressed the Emirati campaign to observe the time of dawn break. The next lecture, entitled “Stars: Birth, Life, and Death” was held on November 1, 2017 by Dr. Abdulsalam Ghaith from the International Astronomical Center, in which he spoke about God’s creations in the universe and the wonders it contains.
Prof. Marwan Al Shwaiki from the Sharjah Center for Astronomy and Space Sciences is expected to deliver a lecture on November 8, 2017, entitled “The New Solar System.” He will discuss methods of discovering Earth-sized planets orbiting dwarf stars and containing liquid-water oceans where life could exist. On November 15, 2017, Mohammad Shawkat Awdeh, the Director of the International Astronomical Centre, will deliver a lecture about comets, their origins, types, and how to observe and identify them. On November 22, 2017, Dr. Mallory Roberts, an astronomy professor from New York University, will talk about the universe and dark matter, that holds all the components of the universe such as astral bodies, that cannot be perceived visually.
Original published at: https://spacewatch.global/2017/11/uae-space-agency-organises-series-astronomy-scientific-lectures/
