Thursday, Oct 31, 2013
Sharjah: To mark International Astronomy Day, the Sharjah Science Museum is holding the 15th edition of its three-day astronomy event with the theme ‘Exploring Mars, Discovering Earth’.
The event, which began on Thursday, got school pupils together and engaged them in a range of activities, including lectures and workshops.
“We have been holding this event since 1999, following the theme of the International Astronomy Day, where we give visitors the chance to look at earth and explore it from another perspective — from Mars,” said Abdul Hamid Mohammad Hassan Alyassi, Instructor at the Sharjah Science Museum.
The event also featured the a real-life model of the Dubai Sat 1 satellite exhibited by the Emirates Institution for Advanced Science and Technology where visitors are able to explore the surface of Mars with the wireless Mars Rover, added Alyassi.
Open to families on November 1 and 2, the event will also introduce visitors to techniques and ideas developed by Muslim scholars centuries ago for the study of space through a workshop titled, ’Making Astrolabe’ held by the Sharjah Islamic Museum.
“We showed students the different constellations in a workshop called ‘The Constellation Dome’ so that they are aware of others apart of the one seen from the UAE and we also talked about the moon and the difference between how it was a million years ago and right now,” said Alyassi.
With a large number of students attending the astronomy day from schools across the Emirates, students of all ages enjoyed the educational experience.
“I am really enjoying my day here because I got to learn a lot about Mars and what conditions are like there — I am now very interested in space,” eighth-grader Samir Ahmad from Al Ahlam School told Gulf News.
Another student from Ajman, Feba Mariam Joy said that the event gives students the opportunity to learn about new space inventions and telescopes. “We are able to find out about how Nasa is planning to make human life in Mars possible,” she added, pointing out that it’s an annual event she loves to attend.
By Jumana Khamis Staff Reporter
Gulf News 2013. All rights reserved.
