An Abu Dhabi astronomer has discovered a giant asteroid believed to be the size of at least six Burj Khalifas, but the good news is it poses no threat to Earth.
Mohammad Shawkat Odeh, director of the emirate's International Astronomical Centre said the space rock was estimated to be between 5km and 10km in diameter, dwarfing Dubai's 830-metre tall Burj Khalifa.
He identified the asteroid while examining data captured by the Pan-STARRS 2 telescope at Haleakala Observatory in Hawaii.
"At this point, what we know is that it is a faint asteroid and not a bright one. Hence, we do not know much about its parameters including its size," he told The National.
"We think it is of normal size with a diameter of anything between five to 10 km."
He said the asteroid orbits the Sun once every four years at a distance of approximately 375 million km, and had been photographed several times before its discovery, with earlier observations dating to 2006.
The initial discovery certificate for the asteroid, temporarily named '2022 UY56', has been issued to Mr Odeh.
The International Astronomical Union will later assign a permanent name and officially recognise the discoverer after completing extensive observations and allowing for precise orbital calculations.
No danger to life on Earth
The asteroid discovery, Mr Odeh explained, is a significant topic in astronomy as scientists are always concerned these rocky objects could pose a danger to Earth.
He added that the '2022 UY56' follows a somewhat elliptical orbit and is not harmful to the Earth.
"It is located between Mars and Jupiter in the asteroid belt where 90 per cent of asteroids are usually found," he said.
The discovery followed the meticulous analysis of astronomical images provided by a Nasa-supported programme and in collaboration with global partners, including Hardin-Simmons University in Texas and the Catalina Sky Survey project, International Astronomical Centre President Khalfan bin Sultan Al Nuaimi announced on Monday.
Khadijah Ahmad, Operations Manager at Dubai Astronomy Group, said the discovery of the new asteroid will encourage more people to search for asteroids.
While space research and asteroid discovery are growing fields in the UAE, she said the number of people actively involved in this field is still relatively small.
Watch: Asteroid samples brought back to Earth
"The discovery by Mr Odeh is particularly unique and highlights the impact of dedicated individuals in advancing asteroid discovery and bridging the gap in funding and resources," said Ms Ahmad.
She said the Astronomy Group offers courses in archival data mining through platforms like Galaxy Zoo, Nasa's Planetary Data System and AstroData among others, where people can search for their own asteroids using both human input and automated tools. "While AI tools are commonly used, the human eye offers better insights."
The impressive find comes as the UAE seeks to deepen its knowledge of asteroids.
Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt (EMA) is scheduled for launch in 2028.
Supported by the $1 billion UAE Space Fund, the mission will take 13 years, including a six-year spacecraft development phase followed by a seven-year journey to the asteroid belt.
The MBR Explorer spacecraft will undertake a five-billion-km voyage, and will conduct close fly-bys of seven asteroids, with the first expected encounter in February 2030, marking the beginning of an extensive exploration mission.
Nasa asteroid smashes into asteroid - in pictures
MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW
Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman
Director: Jesse Armstrong
Rating: 3.5/5
The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
Getting there
Flydubai flies direct from Dubai to Tbilisi from Dh1,025 return including taxes
Biog
Age: 50
Known as the UAE’s strongest man
Favourite dish: “Everything and sea food”
Hobbies: Drawing, basketball and poetry
Favourite car: Any classic car
Favourite superhero: The Hulk original
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Results
2pm: Maiden (TB) Dh60,000 (Dirt) 1,200m, Winner: Mouheeb, Tom Marquand (jockey), Nicholas Bachalard (trainer)
2.30pm: Handicap (TB) Dh68,000 (D) 1,200m, Winner: Honourable Justice, Royston Ffrench, Salem bin Ghadayer
3pm: Handicap (TB) Dh84,000 (D) 1,200m, Winner: Dahawi, Antonio Fresu, Musabah Al Muhairi
3.30pm: Conditions (TB) Dh100,000 (D) 1,200m, Winner: Dark Silver, Fernando Jara, Ahmad bin Harmash
4pm: Maiden (TB) Dh60,000 (D) 1,600m, Winner: Dark Of Night. Antonio Fresu, Al Muhairi.
4.30pm: Handicap (TB) Dh68,000 (D) 1,600m, Winner: Habah, Pat Dobbs, Doug Watson
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Community Shield info
Where, when and at what time Wembley Stadium in London on Sunday at 5pm (UAE time)
Arsenal line up (3-4-2-1) Petr Cech; Rob Holding, Per Mertesacker, Nacho Monreal; Hector Bellerin, Mohamed Elneny, Granit Xhaka, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain; Alex Iwobi, Danny Welbeck; Alexandre Lacazette
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger
Chelsea line up (3-4-2-1) Thibaut Courtois; Cesar Azpilicueta, David Luiz, Gary Cahill; Victor Moses, Cesc Fabregas, N'Golo Kante, Marcos Alonso; Willian, Pedro; Michy Batshuayi
Chelsea manager Antonio Conte
Referee Bobby Madley
The National Archives, Abu Dhabi
Founded over 50 years ago, the National Archives collects valuable historical material relating to the UAE, and is the oldest and richest archive relating to the Arabian Gulf.
Much of the material can be viewed on line at the Arabian Gulf Digital Archive - https://www.agda.ae/en
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
England squad
Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford, Nick Pope, Aaron Ramsdale
Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Conor Coady, Marc Guehi, Reece James, Harry Maguire, Tyrone Mings, Luke Shaw, John Stones, Ben White
Midfielders: Jude Bellingham, Conor Gallagher, Mason Mount, Jordan Henderson, Declan Rice, James Ward-Prowse
Forwards: Tammy Abraham, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe, Raheem Sterling
Most F1 world titles
7 — Michael Schumacher (1994, ’95, 2000, ’01 ’02, ’03, ’04)
7 — Lewis Hamilton (2008, ’14,’15, ’17, ’18, ’19, ’20)
5 — Juan Manuel Fangio (1951, ’54, ’55, ’56, ’57)
4 — Alain Prost (1985, ’86, ’89, ’93)
4 — Sebastian Vettel (2010, ’11, ’12, ’13)
Other key dates
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Finals draw: December 2
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Finals (including semi-finals and third-placed game): June 5–9, 2019
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Euro 2020 play-off draw: November 22, 2019
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Euro 2020 play-offs: March 26–31, 2020
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Pearls on a Branch: Oral Tales
Najlaa Khoury, Archipelago Books
Know before you go
- Jebel Akhdar is a two-hour drive from Muscat airport or a six-hour drive from Dubai. It’s impossible to visit by car unless you have a 4x4. Phone ahead to the hotel to arrange a transfer.
- If you’re driving, make sure your insurance covers Oman.
- By air: Budget airlines Air Arabia, Flydubai and SalamAir offer direct routes to Muscat from the UAE.
- Tourists from the Emirates (UAE nationals not included) must apply for an Omani visa online before arrival at evisa.rop.gov.om. The process typically takes several days.
- Flash floods are probable due to the terrain and a lack of drainage. Always check the weather before venturing into any canyons or other remote areas and identify a plan of escape that includes high ground, shelter and parking where your car won’t be overtaken by sudden downpours.
MATCH INFO
Real Madrid 2 (Benzema 13', Kroos 28')
Barcelona 1 (Mingueza 60')
Red card: Casemiro (Real Madrid)
