Saturday 30 / August / 2025
Muscat: The skies over the Sultanate of Oman will witness a total lunar eclipse on Sunday evening, September 7, which will be visible across most continents.
The Omani Society for Astronomy and Space announced the commencement of preparations to observe the phenomenon, in cooperation with the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs, the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, the governors' offices in various governorates, and the Muscat Municipality.
Salem bin Saif Al Siyabi, Board Member of the Omani Society for Astronomy and Space and Director of the Total Lunar Eclipse Observation Project, said: “This phenomenon is one of the rare astronomical events that provides the Sultanate of Oman with a prominent opportunity to become a leading scientific tourism destination at the regional and international levels. In addition, it has natural resources and diverse terrain that qualify it to attract thousands of interested people from various countries of the world, including astrophotographers, amateurs, researchers, as well as citizens, residents, and visitors to the Sultanate of Oman.”
He added that monitoring this phenomenon contributes to highlighting the Sultanate of Oman's name as one of the most prominent global destinations for observing and documenting astronomical events, and enhances its presence in international forums, in addition to its role in achieving direct and indirect economic benefits for the tourism sector and various related activities, in line with the goals of Oman Vision 2040.
Al-Siyabi explained that preparations include organising public events to observe the eclipse using astronomical telescopes at prominent tourist attractions in the Sultanate of Oman's governorates, in addition to preparing specialised scientific publications explaining the details of the eclipse and methods of observing it in a simplified manner that contributes to spreading astronomical culture among various segments of society.
He explained: "The events will include accompanying activities such as theoretical lectures, specialised workshops, and astronomical observation evenings, providing participants with a scientific and cultural experience that combines grandeur, beauty, and inspiration."
He pointed out that the project is not limited to public monitoring only, but also aims to photograph and scientifically document the phenomenon, and to invite scientific research institutions, universities, and specialised centres to conduct scientific studies and research during the eclipse, thus enhancing the production of astronomical knowledge and placing the Sultanate of Oman in a leading position on the international astronomical research map.
Al-Siyabi emphasised that the participation of higher education institutions, including Sultan Qaboos University, the University of Technology and Applied Sciences, and astronomy clubs at universities and colleges, represents an important scientific contribution, as it provides students and researchers with direct opportunities for field learning and opens up new horizons for them in the field of scientific research and practical applications, which contributes to building an aware and capable generation in the fields of astronomy and space.
He pointed out that the scientific benefits of observing such phenomena are directly reflected in young people, as they instill in them a love of exploration and research, and contribute to building new generations of astronomers, both amateur and professional, capable of advancing the scientific and cultural level in the field of astronomy and space, and interacting with the growing global interest in space sciences.
Al-Siyabi concluded his statement by emphasising that the association invites all segments of society, including citizens, residents, and visitors, as well as local and international media, to participate in and cover the observing activities, thus contributing to the scientific and tourism promotion of the Sultanate of Oman and highlighting its position as a distinguished global destination for observing and documenting astronomical phenomena.
