His Highness, the Ruler of Sharjah, established SAASST as a scientific edifice that aims to enrich awareness and public knowledge of the developments, importance, and impact of astronomy, space sciences, and technology. SAASST is becoming a world leader in scientific research and solidifying the UAE’s position as a scientific center at the regional and global levels.
The Sharjah Astronomical Observatory can now monitor, track, and discover asteroids and send scientific reports on the movement of these asteroids through continuous observation and analysis.
Commenting on the importance of this news, His Excellency Prof. Hamid M.K. Al Naimiy, Chancellor of the University of Sharjah, General Director of SAASST, and President of the Arab Union for Astronomy and Space Sciences said that this global achievement would enable the Sharjah Astronomical Observatory to send official asteroid observation reports after analyzing them with special software and high accuracy.
He added the Sharjah Astronomical Observatory team recently observed seven asteroids of low light magnitudes following several nights of observation, analyzed their movement in the sky, and sent the final report to the MPC. Upon reviewing this report, the MPC approved the Sharjah Astronomical Observatory and added it to the list of reliable global observatories.
His Excellency, the University Chancellor, affirmed that SAASST, thanks to the generous and continuous support of His Highness Sheikh the Ruler of Sharjah, and through this great achievement confirms its ability to achieve its scientific mission. He pointed out that SAASST is advancing with steady steps in enriching awareness and knowledge in astronomy, space sciences, and technology through scientific and research projects. This achievement will enable the Sharjah Astronomical Observatory to participate with its observations and official reports on asteroids or small bodies that cross close to Earth at the global level through the IAU Minor Planet Center. SAASST and the University of Sharjah will also dive into scientific research on asteroid orbits. The Sharjah Astronomical Observatory publications with MPC will feature its logo and code: Sharjah Observatory M47.
It is noteworthy that the Sharjah Astronomical Observatory plays an active role in disseminating scientific information. It also plays a significant role in supporting research projects studying galaxies, binary stars, and variable stars. Astronomy and space enthusiasts also frequently visit the observatory to learn more about the field during the observatory’s various events. It is equipped with the best and latest devices and lenses that enable astronomical imaging and deep observation of the sky. It contains two reflector lenses that enable observing the planets and solar observations and monitors asteroids, the sun, eclipses, and the exoplanets daily.
The University of Sharjah, in cooperation with SAASST, launched several new graduate programs. Those include the MSc. in Astronomy and Space Sciences, the MSc. in Geographic Information System and Remote Sensing, and the MSc. in Air and Space Law programs. These programs aim to enhance students' academic and professional knowledge and provide them with the required experience in the field of astronomy and space sciences. This through working on specialized research and developing projects that support the space sector in the United Arab Emirates and the world.