ABU DHABI: In cooperation with several astronomy observatories, the UAE Space Agency organized a series of community events to observe the annular and partial solar eclipse on Thursday, December 26 at 07:00 UAE time.
The events included observing the partial solar eclipse at the Agency’s headquarters in Masdar City in Abu Dhabi, in cooperation with the Emirates Astronomical Society (Falak). The event witnessed a wide turnout from the public and media, and was a perfect opportunity for all participants to observe the sunrise at 07:05 am, through to the peak of its partial 91% eclipse at 07:37 am, continuing towards its total eclipse at 08:53 am. Attendees were able to capture images using a set of telescopes, under the supervision of specialists.
The Agency held other observing events across the UAE, held at Liwa Hills Hotel near Madinat Zayed in Al Dhafra, organized in collaboration with the International Astronomical Centre in Abu Dhabi; at Marina Mall, Abu Dhabi, in collaboration with Emirates Mobile Observatory; and at Zayed City Park, in collaboration with the Dubai Astronomy Group. Moreover, two other events were organized at Al Thuraya Astronomy Observatory and Burj Khalifa in Dubai, in collaboration with Dubai Astronomy Group.
The Agency warned all attendees about the risk of looking directly at the sun without proper eye protection and highlighted the importance of using the eclipse special glasses it provided in order to avoid any damage to the eyes.
His Excellency Dr. Eng. Mohammed Nasser Al Ahbabi, Director General of UAE Space Agency, stressed the Agency’s keenness to participate in organizing astronomy-observing events, to raise the public’s awareness of space activities and enrich their knowledge about the UAE’s national space sector.
The UAE Space Agency launched a competition through its social media channels, where it will choose the top five photos of the solar eclipse in the UAE, providing participants with the opportunity to win five prizes. This comes in line with the Agency’s efforts to enhance the public’s participation in the astronomical events that it organizes, and increase their awareness of the space sector.
