Seal Observatory joins the International Asteroid Warning Network

The International Astronomy Center in Abu Dhabi announced that the Seal Astronomical Observatory has joined the International Asteroid Warning Network (IAWN), a global network established on the recommendation of the United Nations with the aim of coordinating international efforts to monitor asteroids that may pose a threat to Earth.

The Seal Astronomical Observatory is the only Arab member of this network, which includes prestigious space organizations such as the United Nations, NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA), the Japanese Space Agency (JAXA), and other global space institutions.

The head of the International Astronomy Center, Engineer Khalfan bin Sultan Al Nuaimi, stressed that joining the Al Khatam Astronomical Observatory to this network enhances global astronomical cooperation and allows the observatory to contribute to monitoring celestial bodies and providing early warnings about asteroids that may threaten the Earth. It will also contribute to developing new technologies to improve The ability of observatories to track asteroids.

Strengthening international cooperation

For his part, Director of the International Astronomy Center, Engineer Muhammad Shawkat Odeh, indicated that the Center has also been accepted into the working group for the International Year of Asteroid Awareness and Earth Protection 2029, which was officially adopted by the United Nations in December 2024.

This global event aims to raise awareness of the dangers that asteroids may pose, and to enhance international cooperation to develop defensive technologies to protect the Earth, in conjunction with the asteroid “Apophis” approaching the Earth in April 2029.

This accession is an important step in strengthening the role of the United Arab Emirates in global scientific initiatives related to space and astronomy, and reflects its commitment to developing planetary defense technologies. It also contributes to the exchange of data and information between observatories and international astronomical institutions to improve the ability to monitor asteroids and enhance international efforts to protect planet Earth.