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Partial lunar eclipse and other cosmic displays to grace the July night sky

We may not be able to see the solar eclipse on July 2 in this part of the world, but heads up, sky watchers—there’s a lunar eclipse coming our way this month. read more

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FOR AL SADEEM ASTRONOMY OBSERVATORY VISIT INQUIRIES
Greetings, everyone!
Part of Al Sadeem Astronomy’s mission is conducting and participating in scientific research from Abu Dhabi, along with public outreach. That said, we are currently working on two projects for New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD). These are optical monitoring (imaging with our main telescope) of a potential x-ray binary black hole (MAXIJ1820+070) and a quasar called PKS 1830-211. We are also working with the team behind the “Habitable Exoplanet Hunting Project” for a Gliese 436 b exoplanet observation project. Since these researches demand thorough and meticulous data gathering, and in some cases processing, we have decided that the observatory will be open for guests and private visits only during the bright phases (particularly first quarter to last quarter phase) of the moon.
Not sure when? Here’s a link to help you out:
During the Gibbous phases of the moon, the moon is at its brightest, which makes imaging somewhat difficult compared to other phases. And that would be the perfect time to learn more about space at Al Sadeem!
Thank you for understanding and stay tuned for updates!
-Al Sadeem Astronomy Team
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Longest day of the year, plus other celestial treats to watch out for this June

Now that we’re halfway through 2019, brace yourselves as June ushers in hotter days, early sunrises, and late sunsets.

The summer solstice on June 21—the longest day of the year—will signal the beginning of summer and longer days for the Earth’s Northern Hemisphere, where most of the countries in the world including the United Arab Emirates are situated.

According to the National Geographic, a solstice happens when the Earth is tilted towards the Sun that a big part of it “experiences the maximum intensity of the sun’s rays and has the most hours of sunlight.” Conversely, there will be longer nights for the folks in the other hemisphere (which is the Southern one, in this case). read more

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Al Sadeem Astronomy Conducts Astrophotography Workshop at Manarat Al Saadiyat

Budding astrophotographers and curious sky observers attended the recently concluded astrophotography workshop of the Al Sadeem Astronomy Observatory last May 18.

The small-group, intimate workshop was part of the series of events hosted by Manarat Al Saadiyat in Abu Dhabi called “Ramadan Arcade,” which ran from May 9 to 12 and May 15 to 18. read more

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Eta Aquariid meteor shower, Ramadan moon sighting, and more: What to expect in the night sky this May

To those who were let down by last April’s washed outLyrid meteor shower—fret not. There’s another major meteor shower coming our way this May.

And while it’s an annual night sky treat, this year’s Eta Aquariid meteor shower finds itself in a special circumstance—its peak coincides with the customary Moon sighting activity to determine the start of the holy month of Ramadan. read more

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#AstronomerStruggles You Ought To Know

Written by Aldrin Gabuya

Al Sadeem Astronomy’s resident astronomer lets you in on some of the unavoidable #AstronomerStruggles that amateurs—and even experts—often endure all in the name of astronomy. read more

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What Happens If You Fall Into A Black Hole?

On Wednesday, a major breakthrough in the field of astrophysics thrilled humankind when a team of scientists unveiled the first-ever photo of a super massive black hole. read more

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ASTRO LOG: APRIL 2019 SKY EVENTS TO LOOK FORWARD TO

The change of seasons ushered in days of gloomy weather; let’s hope this won’t drag on until April!

There’s a meteor shower (Lyrid meteor shower) to watch out for in the middle of the month, but because of the presence of the Moon at the night sky, spotting the Lyrids will be pretty tough for avid sky watchers and observers.

Planets such as Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn will be still be spotted near the Moon in the coming days, and many brilliant prominent winter constellations and deep-sky objects will be seen during early evening hours.

Sky treats such as the nebulae in Orion constellation (Great Orion, Flame, and Horsehead), and galaxies like the ones in and the Leo Triplet and Sunflower Galaxy still await amateur astronomers and astrophotographers. read more

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WITNESS THE “SUPER WORM EQUINOX MOON” ON MARCH 21ST

Heads up, sky watchers! On March 21st, the appearance of the last in the Supermoon trifecta this year happens Thursday, which also coincides with the much-awaited change of seasons.

This change of seasons is signaled by the March (Vernal) Equinox.This marks the beginning of Spring in the Northern Hemisphere and Autumn in the Southern Hemisphere.What happens on this day is that, the Earth’s axis is neither tilted towards nor away from the Sun, resulting in aroughly equal duration of day and night in all areas of the Earth (approximately 12 hours). read more

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ASTRO LOG: YOUR MARCH 2019 SKY AT A GLANCE

Avid sky-watchers and dedicated astronomy enthusiasts in the United Arab Emirates can bid goodbye to biting cold nights as March ushers in the beginning of spring.

With temperatures beginning to warm, staying outdoors at night will definitely be more enjoyable,especially during this month when the night sky has so much in store for its patrons.

Mark the 21st of March on your calendars, as the last of the Supermoon trifecta for this year will grace the night sky. read more