Classes for young stargazers promise an out-of-this-world experience

The International Astronomical Centre is preparing to offer an introduction to stargazing for children and young adults.

“This is an annual project aimed mainly at spreading and promoting space and astronomy knowledge; informing the UAE public about the Mars mission; the importance of the space and astronomy industry; and fostering a scientifically-minded, intelligent generation,” said Samer Hakawati, executive director of the IAC.

Taught in English by specialists and professionals, the workshops will cover topics including the galaxies, the Milky Way, star birth and death, properties of stars, the giant planets and their moons, the terrestrial planets – the Earth’s nearest neighbours – the Earth-Moon system, how science works, early astronomy, life in the universe, as well as more complex topics such as detecting radiation from space and the Copernican Revolution.

The workshops will take place between 6.30 and 8.30pm on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday for a month, offering 16 hours of theory and eight hours of stargazing.

Children will be grouped by ages, from 7 to 14 years and 15 years and over. The course, which costs Dh1,900, including workbook and access to equipment, will take place in Abu Dhabi and Dubai and is staged in co-operation with the UAE Space Agency.

To book a seat and for more information, including start dates, call Mr Hakawati at 026663318 or 0505955115 or email samer@astronomycenter.net.