Qatar Calendar House astronomical team and astrophotographers. Photo by Ali Abo Ras; (Right) Milky Way Orion Arm photo by Ahmed Raslan
Doha: The Qatar Calendar House (QCH) astronomical observation team and astrophotographers recently observed the Orion Arm of the Milky Way Galaxy from the Sudanthile region, south of Qatar.
The team also viewed the Andromeda Galaxy and witnessed numerous meteor showers and star constellations during their observation.
“On Thursday late night, the team travelled about 70 minutes from Doha to the Sudanthile area to witness the peak visibility of the galaxy,” Doha-based astrophotographer Ahmed Raslan told The Peninsula.
Milky Way Orion Arm. Photos by Ahmed Raslan
“My colleague Ali Abo Ras organised the event with the support of Dr. Bashir Marzouq, an astronomical expert at QCH who joined us during the observation,” he said.
Raslan shared that the team was able to observe the Orion Arm of the Milky Way, the galaxy’s centre, multiple meteor showers, the Andromeda Galaxy, and summer star constellations. The event provided an opportunity for enthusiasts to gather and observe celestial phenomena under expert guidance. Participants enjoyed viewing celestial objects both with the naked eye and through astronomical instruments.
He added that such observation events are regularly organised in the country. “There are always monthly events either by QCH or other astronomy enthusiasts. QCH has its winter camp next to Sudanthile from September to April every year.”
Raslan noted that the current period offers optimal conditions for observing the Milky Way in the early morning sky. During summer, the galactic centre and parts of the Orion Arm can be seen from locations free of light pollution.
When asked about upcoming observation events, Raslan said, “Yes, we have another event at the end of this Hijri month, as the moon will not be shining, making the night dark enough for clear observation.”
