UAE witnesses yet another celestial event

Abu Dhabi - Mars and the Earth aligned in a straight line earlier this week, separated by a distance of 46.8 million miles - the closest that the two planets will be until 2287.

Stargazers in Abu Dhabi witnessed a rare astronomical event dubbed by astronomers as Mars opposition.
The event happens once in every two years when Mars, the Red Planet and the Sun appear on opposite sides of the Earth.
The UAE Space Agency organised an event at the Abu Dhabi Corniche where stargazers brought their telescopes to observe the phenomenon.
The event saw veteran amateur astronomer Sadiq Feteh Ali and other professional stargazers who enjoyed the viewing of the phonomenon at the Breakwater near Marina Mall.
Mars and the Earth aligned in a straight line earlier this week, separated by a distance of 46.8 million miles - the closest that the two planets will be until 2287.
According to Mohamed Odeh, Director at Abu Dhabi-based International Astronomical Centre, said: "It is not a moment, it started one month ago and continue another months."
For countries, including the UAE who have Mars Probe missions, can plan the launch of their space craft, he said.
Khalid Ali Al Hashmi, Director of Space Missions, Science and Technology Management at the UAE Space Agency said based on calculation, the UAE's Mars Probe Mission will be launched in July 2020, as it will be closest to earth.
Dr Mohammed Nasser Al Ahbabi, Director-General of the UAE Space Agency, said that the event will create awareness about planets and space sciences.
"We also hope to increase the community interest in the UAE's space activities, such as the Mars Hope Probe that will explore the planet," he said.
Dr Al Ahbabi added: "The Hope Probe will explore the Martian atmosphere. It is planned to be launched in 2020 and will reach the planet the following year, marking the fiftieth anniversary of the formation of the United Arab Emirates."
The red planet is about 48 million miles from earth, coming ever closer until May 30, when the red planet passes within 46.8 million miles. That will be Mars' closest approach in 10 1/2 years.
In 2018, Mars will get even more closer passing within a mere 36 million miles.
haseeb@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE
• Abu Dhabi