UAE Observatory Helps Discover Planets Outside Solar System

Post by : Bianca Suleiman

Photo: WAM

The International Astronomical Centre has announced an exciting achievement from the Al Khatim Astronomical Observatory, which is located in the desert of Abu Dhabi. This observatory has helped in observing and confirming the presence of exoplanets. Exoplanets are planets that are outside our solar system. This discovery is an important scientific step and shows how the UAE is becoming a strong part of global space research.

This achievement proves that the UAE is now actively working with top international science projects. These projects are focused on learning more about the universe and looking for signs of life beyond Earth.

Eng. Khalfan Al Nuaimi, who is the President of the International Astronomical Centre, shared that this discovery was made with the help of NASA’s TESS mission. TESS stands for Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite. It looks at tiny changes in the brightness of stars. When a planet passes in front of a star, it blocks some of the star’s light, and scientists can use this method to find new planets.

Eng. Mohammad Shawkat Odeh, Director of the Centre, explained that the Al Khatim Observatory officially became part of NASA’s TESS Follow-up Observing Programme (TFOP) in June 2024. Before joining, the Emirati team had to complete a very strict training course. This training was done with help from international experts. After training, the team passed a test where they had to observe a possible new planet.

This success fits well with the UAE’s national goals to become a world leader in science. The country is building advanced space technology and working with other countries to explore the secrets of space. With modern equipment and big dreams, the UAE is moving forward to discover more about the universe.