Sharjah Observatory

Opened in May 2015, Sharjah Observatory forms part of the Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences & Technology (SAASST) in the United Arab Emirates, combining research-grade telescopes with a programme built for public and student use.

About Sharjah Observatory

The observatory's main instrument is a 45-centimeter reflector telescope used for observing galaxies, stars, and planets, paired with a 20-centimeter refractor dedicated to solar and lunar observation. Its instrumentation includes a digital CCD camera and both Echelle and Baader DADOS spectrographs with auto-guiding and remote calibration.

History

Sharjah Observatory opened in May 2015, around the same period the UAE was building out its astronomy institutions; the country went on to join the International Astronomical Union in 2019.

Telescopes & research

Beyond its two main telescopes, the observatory is used chiefly for teaching observational astronomy, public education, and student research projects, and sits alongside the wider SAASST campus, which also includes the Sharjah Planetarium and additional optical and radio observatories.

Location & getting there

The observatory is located in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, part of the wider Asia region, as one part of the SAASST campus.

Visiting Sharjah Observatory

SAASST runs designated public viewing nights each month with astronomers on hand to guide visitors through the telescopes; check the official SAASST website for the current schedule before planning a visit.

See your named star from here

With a 45-centimeter reflector and remote-calibrated spectrographs on hand, Sharjah Observatory has the instruments to seek out precise coordinates, the same kind attached to any star named through Star Register. Browse the catalogue to find yours.