Last Tuesday evening, an avid Omani stargazer, unveiled his latest prized possession – an 800 Edge HD telescope – to an excited group of astronomy enthusiasts amid the Bandar al Khairan mountains
“The sky is limitless…it all depends on the boundless reach of human imagination on how many mysteries one wants to unravel. This vast black canvas offers a secret space within which are concealed the planets, stars, constellations, and more importantly, a deep sense of connection and strength.”
These are the words of Abdul Wahab al Busaidi, board member of the Oman Astronomical Society (OAS) and a passionate stargazer for over five decades. On Tuesday evening, amid the silent embrace of the Bandar al Khairan mountains, Busaidi unveiled his latest marvel in astronomical technology – an 800 Edge HD telescope – to an excited group of astronomy enthusiasts, all waiting for an exclusive peep into the mysteries of the dark.
As twilight made way for total darkness to engulf the area, Busaidi’s magic began to unfold and everyone present had the privilege of taking a closer look at the celestial world that hitherto remains cut away from the busy, earthly world.
The 800 Edge HD telescope, armed with superpower, artificial intelligence and special filters, offers glimpses that reach far beyond our known world, alsoenabling astrophotography of an extraordinary quality.
“This lens reaches deep into the universe, revealing constellations, stars, comets, black holes, asteroids, globular clusters, nebulae, and even distant galaxies,” Busaidi explained. The new telescope, which now replaces a smaller one he had been using for years, was acquired only a month ago and has already opened new doors to new discoveries in the dark.
Busaidi disclosed that his love affair with the stars began at the tender age of 20, when he first laid eyes on Saturn. The image of the ringed planet captured his heart instantly, he said.
“When I first saw Saturn, I felt like the universe had proposed to me,” he says with a chuckle. “It was as if the universe extended a ring to me, and I gladly fell for her.” From that moment, Busaidi’s life began revolving around the mysteries of the cosmos, a passion that has only got deeper and deeper over the years.
Oman’s stargazing potential
In recent years, Oman has made significant strides in the study of the universe. According to Busaidi, Oman is poised to take even greater steps forward.
“In the last five years, Oman has really advanced in astronomical studies,” he said. There are plans to launch new satellites this year, which will make Oman self-sufficient in telecommunications and reduce its dependence on foreign satellites, he added.
One of Oman’s greatest advantages, Busaidi points out, is its clear skies. “In Europe or Africa, the weather can be too cold, windy, or hot, limiting stargazing opportunities to just once a year. But in Oman, you can watch the stars and planets any time of the year, thanks to our clear skies,” he said, pointing out that places like Masirah Island and Wahiba Sands are particularly remarkable for stargazing, offering pristine, light-pollution-free skies where stars sparkle like diamonds after dusk.
Mystery of meteorites
When asked about meteorite showers, Busaidi explains their rarity. “It is very rare for meteorites to fall on Earth,” he says, noting that the last major meteorite strike occurred millions of years ago, when it contributed to the extinction of the dinosaurs.
Busaidi also highlights Jupiter’s critical role as a shield for Earth, protecting us from many meteorites that could otherwise strike the planet. “Jupiter acts like a shield, stopping many of the stray meteorites from reaching Earth,” he said.
Promise of Space Tourism
Busaidi is a strong supporter of space tourism, seeing it as an exciting and worthwhile endeavour. “Some people believe space tourism is a waste of time, but I see it differently. The universe is vast, with so many possibilities for discovery,” he explains.
He compared space exploration to Oman’s own history of exploration. “Omanis have always been explorers. Our forefathers ventured beyond the ocean, discovering new cultures, which not only helped us understand the world but also led to new opportunities for trade and business. Space exploration offers similar potential.”
He also lent his support for Elon Musk’s vision of space travel, seeing it as a new frontier for human discovery.
Are we alone?
The question of alien life is one that Busaidi has encountered often. “We have billions of galaxies, each with its own stars and possibly its own planets. The universe is incredibly vast and continues to expand. There is plenty of dark matter that we yet know little about,” he said, however, acknowledging the possibility of life beyond Earth. But, he is quick to add, “As of now, there is no concrete proof. The chances of life elsewhere are real, but we still don’t have evidence.”
Message for youth
Busaidi is passionate about instilling a love for astronomy in the younger generation. He believes that fostering this interest is vital for the country’s future strength.
“I appeal to schools to incorporate a love for the universe into their curriculum. A country with people who love astronomy is a strong country,” he says emphatically. He suggests that every school should have a telescope, to spark curiosity and wonder among students.
As Busaidi’s telescope focused on the craters of the Moon, the rings of Saturn and rays of starlight, expressions of wonder echoed from the few spectators, every whisper echoing amid the stony mountains.
With great conviction, he conveyed to the spectators present that the stars are not just distant lights in the sky, rather a source of inspiration, a doorway to discovery, and a reminder of humanity’s limitless potential.
The 800 Edge HD
Optical Design: 8-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope with Edge HD optics, providing clear, distortion-free views across the entire field of view
Focal Length: 2032 mm, offering powerful magnification for deep-sky observation
Aperture: 8 inches (203.2 mm), allowing for enhanced light-gathering capability to see faint objects
AI Integration: Equipped with AI-enhanced tracking and focusing, making it easier to find and follow celestial objects accurately
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