SHARJAH, UAE

Sharjah Optical
Observatory

Observation . Researches . Events

Explore the Universe with yourEyeson the sky

About The Observatory

Following the wise vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council, Ruler of Sharjah, the Sharjah Optical Observatory, located at SAASST opened its doors in May 2015 as an optical observatory consisting of a reflector telescope 45 centimeters in diameter to observe the galaxies, stars and planets. Connected to it is a refractor telescope of 20 centimeters in diameter to observe the sun and moon with highly developed astronomical devices, including a digital camera (CCD) and a high-resolution Echelle and Baader DADOS Spectrographs with auto-giving and remote calibration ports.

Our Vision

Our ultimate goal is to establish Sharjah Optical Observatory as a leading entity in observational astronomy in the region via reaching out to the general public at all educational levels and outputting vital scientific research projects.

Our telescopes

The Sharjah observatory is primarily used for teaching observational astronomy, public education in astronomy, and modest students research projects. It is equipped with three telescopes:

1

17” (431 mm) / f6.8

Corrected Dall-Kirkham reflector. It is suitable for deep sky observation and astrography

2

7" (180 mm) / f7

triplet fluorite apochromatic refractor. It is mainly used for planetary observation and white light solar observation

3

4" (105 mm) / f5.2

triplet ED apochromatic refractor. It is mainly used for Ha solar observations.

These three main instruments are mounted on a German equatorial mount. The whole telescopic system resides inside an observatory dome with dust proof sealing. Other instruments are also connected to the system like the SBIG STX16803 CCD camera and an Echelle Compact Spectrograph (BACHES).

Anywhere, Anytime

This system is unique in the quality of the lenses used and its high quality mirrors. It is connected to an electronic control network that posts the acquired data on the internet to enable users to use the telescope anywhere in the world. Academically, the observatory plays a significant role in teaching astronomy and astrophysics to university students who are rapidly increasing in numbers every semester.

Enthusiasts and the general public would also have a share in the sky as there are specific nights every month designated for public viewing with assistance from astronomers at the Academy. Important astronomical events such as the lunar and solar eclipses are broadcast to the halls inside the Academy for the public to see such events collectively.

A Brief Of Our Activity

The Sharjah Optical Observatory continues to offer its special activities to the public and students
that support astronomical knowledge and awareness.

Public Outreach

We take them between galaxies and reach with the limits of the Universe to advance their knowledge of the Universe.

Exoplanets

We explore and study them and search among them for new evidence that enables us to better understand the universe.

Following the NEO’s

We follow and track the planets and orbits which enable us to study them and predict their movements.

Astrophotography

Astronomical photography is the depiction of astronomical objects, celestial events, and areas of the night sky to share with you

Binary Stars

Star system consisting of two stars orbiting around their common barycenter. Here it is our turn to explain that to you.

Crescent Hijra

We monitor the crescent for you at the beginning of every Hijri month to inform you of its entry and the observance of its rites

Telescopes

Open House

Big Events

Visitors

From Our Telescope

We show you pictures that are spotted with our telescopes
to share the passion and beauty of the universe

Our Research Follow-Up

Sunspot Monitoring

A sunspot is a region on the Solar surface with a relatively lower temperature than the surrounding regions. Sunspots’ prevalence is attributed to the Sun’s differential rotation and the resultant twisting of interior magnetic field lines which causes them to pop up temporarily at the surface.

Comets

A comet is a frozen celestial body made up of dust, rock, and ices that orbits the Sun. Comets have a characteristic tail when passing closely to the Sun as they become largely affected by the Solar radiation pressure causing disposal of dust and microparticles Comets.

Asteroids

An asteroid is a rocky or metallic celestial body that orbits the Sun. Asteroids lack atmospheres and are too small to be classified as planets.

Variable Stars

A variable star is a star with relative brightness or position fluctuate is such a fairly regular way which can be seen by a telescope or even by the naked-eye. This variability is attributed to either extrinsic or intrinsic characteristics of the star with associated period that range from seconds to years.

What is Astronomy ?

Astronomy is a scientific observational and theoretical approach towards all objects beyond Earth’s atmosphere. That includes everything that a human’s naked pair of eyes can and even cannot see. Namely, single stars, binary stars, multiple stars, nebulae, black holes, galaxies, asterisms, meteors, asteroids, comets, planets, moons and many more!

Observational Astronomy
Optical Spectrum

Optical astronomy, also referred to as visible-light astronomy, is the study and analysis of incoming light from celestial objects with wavelengths that lie in the optical/visible range from the electromagnetic spectrum which is from 400 nm to 700 nm. Nowadays, CCD cameras are used to take images whereas prior to modern technology, visible-light astronomers used to draw what they see on their hands.