AlUla Hosts Educational Astronomy Seminar in Journey Series

The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU), in collaboration with King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) and the AlUla Manara team, will host an educational seminar on Sunday, October 12, at 5:00 p.m. in the Education Building. The seminar is part of the “Journey Through the Stars” series, designed to promote knowledge and interest in astronomy and space science.

Seminar Led by Astronomy Expert

Dr. Thamer Al-Refay, a specialist in physics and astronomy, will present the seminar. The session will cover the fundamentals of astronomy and methods for identifying celestial objects. Participants will gain a practical understanding of stars, planets, and the tools used by astronomers to explore the universe.

Journey Through the Stars Series

The “Journey Through the Stars” series is an initiative by the RCU aimed at raising public awareness about astronomy. Conducted in Arabic, the series features educational sessions that link astronomical concepts to the local environment, helping the community connect with the universe and AlUla’s unique night skies.

AlUla Manara Observatory and Research Projects

AlUla is home to pioneering astronomy projects, most notably the AlUla Manara observatory. The facility, the first of its kind in the region, serves as a research and educational center. It provides opportunities for scientific discoveries and encourages the public to engage with space sciences. The observatory is central to AlUla’s efforts to become a hub for astro-tourism and educational initiatives.

Dark-Sky Recognition for AlUla

AlUla is renowned for its exceptionally dark skies, among the clearest in the world. The RCU obtained DarkSky accreditation for the AlUla Manara observatory site and the Gharameel Nature Reserve, marking them as the first certified dark-sky locations in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf region. This recognition highlights the region’s commitment to preserving the night sky for scientific and recreational purposes.

Promoting Astro-Tourism and Education

Through initiatives like the seminar and the Journey Through the Stars series, the RCU promotes astro-tourism, stargazing, and space science education. These programs aim to inspire the community, foster curiosity about the universe, and encourage young people to pursue careers in science and research.

The RCU continues to expand its astronomy and space science initiatives, using projects like AlUla Manara and the educational seminar series to make scientific knowledge accessible. AlUla’s clear skies and innovative programs create an ideal environment for learning, research, and public engagement in astronomy.