Major General Dr. Ahmed Nasser Al Raisi, Director General of Central Operations at Abu Dhabi Police, recently inaugurated the Emirates Mobile Observatory in the presence of a number of officers. The observatory is the latest and largest integrated astronomical observatory in the region; Work is currently underway to include it in the International Astronomical Union’s network of robotic telescopes designed for meteorological and astronomical research.

Major General Dr. Ahmed Nasser Al Raisi praised the initiative which represents another outstanding achievement for the Abu Dhabi Police in particular and the UAE in general. “This achievement reflects the UAE people’s sense of belonging and patriotism, and their urgent desire to add further scientific leading achievements at the local and international levels. This, in turn, would strengthen the UAE’s prominent position as one of the states that take interest in scientific research.

Major General Al Raisi called on the Emirates Mobile Observatory to continue its quest to spread the astronomical and scientific education among the various segments of society. He also reiterated the police leadership’s support for such achievements and initiatives that reflect the desire of the UAE youth to strive for excellence in all areas.

During the inauguration, a presentation was made on the development phases of the observatory from 2000 until 2014. Major General Al Raisi put the telescope into operation, by directing it towards astronomical targets.

For his part, Nizar Salam, Chairman of the Emirates Mobile Observatory, UAE representative at the Astronomers without Borders (AWB) organization, and member of the Arab Union for Astronomy and Space Sciences (AUASS) said: “The CDK [Corrected Dall-Kirkham] telescope is the first of its kind and one of the latest designs compared to other astronomical telescopes. It was manufactured in the United States. The eight-month long manufacturing process was carried out in accordance with the highest technical standards and specifications, after signing the purchase agreement between the Chairman of the Emirates Mobile Observatory and the manufacturing company (PlaneWave), during the General Assembly of the International Astronomical Union which was held in Beijing in 2012.”

He added: “The carbon fiber telescope design has a mirror diameter of 610 mm with a 3962 mm focal length and a field of view of 70 mm. This allows astronomical imaging of celestial bodies using specialized astronomical cameras. Compared to the naked eye, the telescope can gather 8000 times more light than the human eye; which gives a clear view of dim stars employing a light-pollution filter..

He also noted that the telescope is placed on a self-rotating base to track celestial bodies with precision. It carries 350 pounds of optical equipment and is operated through astronomical software and computer networks.

Adding further, Dr. Nizar Salam said that the telescope has a unique design and a combination of mirrors and lenses, and will be used to observe astronomical phenomena using ocular lenses and for astrophotography (Astronomical imaging) via color filters (RGB) or narrowband filters that transmit wavelengths emitted by the hydrogen and oxygen atoms. “This would allow astronomical imaging even in the most light-polluted. The telescope is equipped with an auto-focus control unit and a temperature sensor to cool the mirrors using 7 fans that operate automatically; in addition to an anti-dewing device,” he said.

He also said: “The telescope will be used for scientific research purposes, such as discovering and capturing images of Supernova explosions, studying extra solar transits, discovering comets and asteroids. Astrophotography is carried out at temperatures below the telescope’s outside temperature, as low as -70° C; this means that imaging will take place at below zero temperatures throughout the summer, and this ensures high-quality images.”

It is worth mentioning that the observatory has a custom-built mobile electric roof system, an anti-dewing cooling system. A weather station is also available on-site, with a primary and a secondary control room, which provides remote web-based control of the telescope via the Emirates Mobile Observatory website.

The telescope is the biggest astronomical telescope in the Gulf region, which is intended to serve members of the public. It will be used to observe astronomical phenomena and activities, in cooperation with educational and scientific research authorities.
 

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