The Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences, and Technology (SAASST) participated in the University of Sharjah 14th Research Forum on May 18, 2022. As a result, SAASST presented four new research projects. This is part of SAASST's constant strive to be in front of the research vision of the United Arab Emirates. The four projects cover four key areas of research: radio astronomy, GNSS, artificial intelligence, and CubeSat technology:

The UAE Meteor Monitoring Network (UAEMMN) observed 41 meteors during the Aquariids peak on the 4th and 5th May 2022. The histogram below illustrates the number of observations of meteors over four days, starting from the 3rd to the 6th of May. The detection rate increased by nine meteors between the 3rd and 4th, indicating the start or higher activity. On the 5th, it went up by 11 observations, with 26 meteors observed that night. However, by the early morning of the 5th, the observations dropped by 17 as the peak of the Aquariids shower had passed. Therefore, our data indicate that the Aquariids peak nights were on the 4th and 5th of May. On the 4th of May, the Moon phase was a waning crescent, only 2.97 days old with 10.99% sky illumination, rising at 7:57 and setting at 22:11, leading the UAEMMN system to have a beautiful dark canvas to observe through.

Monday, 09 May 2022 13:30

SAASST Visitors

During the week of May 09-12, 2022, the Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences, and Technology has received several highly distinguished visitors from England and Germany:

The concept of the Academy first began as an initiative that HE Prof. Hamid Al-Naimiy, Chancellor of the University of Sharjah and Director General of the Sharjah Center for Astronomy and Space Sciences (SCASS), presented to His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council, Ruler of Sharjah, and former President of the University of Sharjah. As a result, his Highness provided Prof. Hamid the full authority to proceed forward with developing its infrastructure and directed the provision of the financial resources necessary. Through negotiations with international and local companies specializing in planetarium, the Sharjah Planetarium was constructed along with the exhibition halls and the optical astronomical observatory.

The UAE Meteor Monitoring Network (UAEMMN) observed 38 meteors during the Lyrids peak period from the 22nd until the 23rd of April 2022. There was an increase in meteor observation from April 22 to 24. The total number of meteors observed was 12, 22, 16, and 9 on April 21, 22, 23, and 24, respectively. The UAEMMN data indicates that the peak nights were the 22nd and 23rd of April.

Prof. Ilias Fernini, the Deputy-General Director for Research at the Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences, and Technology, gave an online lecture on Apr. 27, 2022, “Why Radio Astronomy?” The lecture was about the importance of using the whole electromagnetic spectrum to understand the secrets of the Universe and, in particular, radio wavelengths.

Ms. Asma Hattawi, a planetarium scientific guide at the Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences, and Technology, gave an online lecture on Apr. 20, 2022, "The Story of the Cosmos." The lecture was about the theory of the Big Bang, the formation of the first elements, the expansion of the Universe, and the end.

Prof. Mashhoor Al-Wardat, the Deputy General for Academics at the Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences, and Technology, gave an online lecture on Apr. 13, 2022, "Globular vs. Open Clusters." Star clusters come in different morphologies, sizes, and the number of stars in them. They are groups of hundreds to millions of stars that provide astronomers crucial insight into stellar evolution by comparing stars' ages and compositions. Star clusters form out of large interstellar regions of gas and dust called molecular clouds. The densest areas of those molecular clouds collapse into themselves to form stars. In some cases, the stars disperse after their creation. However, if enough stars are formed close together, they may remain gravitationally bound and live as a star cluster.

Several activities are being planned for April 2022. This falls with the worldwide celebration of “Global Astronomy Month 2022.” This coincides with the holy month of Ramadhan, 1443 AH.

Every year in April, the world’s largest annual celebration of astronomy offers a unique demonstration of the power of the night sky to bring people together from around the world. Registered events organized by astronomy clubs, planetariums, and others, pop up on the world map in an array of countries that don’t usually come to mind when thinking of astronomy. GAM is an inspiring expression of the universal passion for

astronomy we all share, whoever or wherever we are.

The Honorable Dato' Sri Dr. Adham bin Baba, Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, and Mr. Azlikamil bin Napiah, the Director-General of Malaysia Space Agency (MYSA), visited the Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences, and Technology on Mar. 29, 2022. Prof. Maamar Bettayeb, the University of Sharjah Vice-Chancellor for Research and Graduate Studies greeted the Malaysian delegation at the academy. SAASST deputy general