SMD marks International Astronomy Day with open day at Sharjah Science Museum

Running from 18-19 October, the open day's programme features a package of astronomy-related activities with support and effective participation of numerous relevant bodies from across the country.

The open day's programme includes the display of a host of astronomical tools and instruments as used by Muslim scientists during the Islamic Golden Age when Muslim astronomers were in the forefront of astronomical development and paved the way for the appearance of studies and discoveries that served as of humanity.

The astronomical tools will be displayed for the first time in collaboration with the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization.

Visitors to the science museum will get the chance to identify modern tools and equipment used by international astronomers to observe stars and various celestial bodies. This event will be held in cooperation with the Dubai Astronomy Group. Other activities include a lecture on 'New Mars Discoveries' by Hassan Al Hariri, Chairman of the Dubai Astronomy Group, which will be accompanied by the display of new astronomical pictures of Mars and information presented by scientists in this regard.

This event is held in line with SMD's aims to promote the culture of astronomy amongst all community members, with a focus on students and children, as well as highlighting major contributions by Arab and Muslim scientists, an updating public with the most recent information on astronomy.

Also live pictures and information would be displayed via modern scientific devices to allow students and children to get more details and gain a wider scope of information. Within the same context, the Museum is preparing to put equipment into place to observe the sun on the first day of the activity, and others to observe Mars on the second day.

Visitors will get the opportunity to explore the Sharjah skyline and get acquainted with some of the indirect ways to observe the sun and observe some of the spectacular space objects through latest astronomical instruments available in the centre under the supervision of specialists.

The Museum will also have a show on laser technology and its multi uses in our daily lives and children will have the chance to enjoy a show on launching a rocket to the moon to help them get a simple insight into the moon and its surface through simplified information.

Other activities designed for children also include a competition on how they can install celestial bodies. The Sharjah Science Museum will also give children the opportunity to buy some scientific and astronomical games that help them enrich their information about astronomy.

SMD thanked the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization and Dubai Astronomy Group for their cooperation with the sharjah science museum as they participate to serve the community of Sharjah and the UAE and acquaint with this important science.