UAE Astronomers Contribute to Discovery of New Exoplanets

The United Arab Emirates has marked a significant achievement in astronomy with its contribution to the observation and confirmation of new exoplanets. According to the UAE’s International Astronomy Centre, the Al Khatim Observatory, situated in the Abu Dhabi desert, played a vital role in this scientific milestone, highlighting the nation’s expanding role in astronomical research.

This accomplishment underscores the UAE’s active participation in international scientific projects dedicated to deepening the understanding of the universe and exploring the potential for life beyond Earth. Engineer Khalifa Al Neyadi, President of the International Astronomy Centre, emphasized that this work was part of a collaborative effort with NASA’s Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) mission.

Astronomers from the UAE employed the technique of analyzing minute fluctuations in the brightness of distant stars to detect the presence of exoplanets passing in front of them – a method widely used for discovering new worlds beyond our solar system. Engineer Mohammed Shawkat Odeh, Director of the Centre, added that the Al Khatim Observatory formally joined the TESS follow-up observation project in June 2024. This followed the successful completion of a specialized training program conducted by international experts and the observatory’s successful practical test, observing a potential planet candidate.

This discovery aligns with the UAE’s strategic plans aimed at strengthening its scientific leadership and contributing to global efforts to unlock the mysteries of the cosmos.

Source: WAM