Saturday 20 / April / 2024
Muscat: Astronomy enthusiasts in Oman gathered at the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Bausher to witness the transit of Mercury, a rare event where the first planet crosses the Sun.
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A number of astronomers and hobbyists from the Ministry of Endowment and Religious Affairs, and the Omani Astronomical Society had set up their advanced telescopes at the mosque’s outdoor field to observe the event, which takes place only 13 times in every century.
Ibrahim Al Mahrooqi from the Omani Astronomical Society said the telescopes used to observe this event are very advanced and can be used to watch a variety of astronomical events.
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“We also have a special telescope to capture the Sun using a filter that protects the human eyes,” he said.
Nada, another hobbyist at the society, said the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is an ideal place to invite people from all nationalities to witness Mercury’s transit.
“Everyone knows this place and choosing such an iconic location helps to promote tourism in our country,” she added.
