Muscat – In their continuous mission to unravel the mysteries of the cosmos, a group of astronomers organised a start gazing event at the Jawharat Bidiyah Resort, North Sharqiyah, drawing over 50 astronomy enthusiasts. 

The two-hour session, spearheaded by Geoastro-Oman, offered participants an insightful journey into astronomy, focusing on the positions, movements, and characteristics of various celestial bodies, constellations, and their intriguing lore.

The highlight of the event was the observation of often unseen stellar phenomena, including distant stars, planets, galaxies, and nebulae. Participants also had the unique opportunity to witness astronomical events such as meteor showers and planetary conjunctions, enhancing their understanding of these cosmic occurrences.

In an innovative approach to stargazing, the event utilised cutting-edge technology, including Virtual Reality (VR) glasses, to provide an immersive simulation of the night sky. 

The use of Celestron HD Edge 11-inch telescopes, equipped with projectors, further added to the educational and experiential value, elucidating various aspects of space and the universe.

Mohammed al Kamli, founder of Geoastro-Oman, shared insights into the event’s significance. “Geoastro-Oman, a pioneer in integrating geology and astronomy in Oman, organises such events for the public, tourists, students, and schools in diverse locales, including castles, hotels, mountains, beaches, and deserts,” he said. 

He emphasised that the primary goal of these stargazing sessions is to observe and appreciate celestial bodies, offering a gateway to “connect with the universe, learn about astronomy, and understand our place in the cosmic landscape”.

Kamli also spoke about the therapeutic and meditative aspects of such experiences.

Geoastro-Oman is dedicated to exploring celestial wonders for over five years, conducting observations in various places like Jabal Akhdar, Jabal Shams, and the Sharqiyah Sands. 

On a lighter note, Kamli mentioned that no UFOs were spotted during the event.