QNA
Doha
The third edition of the Katara Space Science Programme began on Tuesday at Al Thuraya Planetarium in Katara. Organised by the Cultural Village Foundation (Katara) in collaboration with MAPS International, the event will continue until August 22.
During the opening ceremony, Katara’s General Manager Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaitis emphasised the remarkable success of the Space Science Programme. He highlighted that Katara is increasingly establishing itself as a prominent cultural and scientific hub, illuminating new avenues for learning and exploration.
Dr Al Sulaiti added that the programme is a groundbreaking initiative that would open broad windows of knowledge to students and researchers to help them learn a lot about space sciences. He highlighted that an elite group of professional space professors and scientists are set to share their scientific experiences and knowledge in this extraordinary event.
He expressed his hope that the programme would inspire young people to passionately pursue scientific research, innovation, and excellence in this vital field. He emphasised that preparing a new generation equipped with culture and scientific knowledge is Katara’s top priority.
Dr Al Sulaiti highlighted that Al Thuraya Planetarium provides a diverse array of activities and shows throughout the year, catering to visitors of all age groups. These offerings allow participants to explore and deeply engage with the field of astronomy in an interactive manner.
The programme also includes a wide array of interactive scientific activities spanning three days, scheduled to take place between 3 pm and 9 pm. These activities blend theatrical presentations with practical knowledge, offering participants a unique opportunity to engage in discussions with experts.
The space art exhibition features a blend of art and science and showcases fine arts of 21 artists inspired by space science and meteorology. The programme hosts esteemed experts in astronomy science at Katara, including Dr Mashhoor Ahmad Salameh Alwardat, professor of astrophysics in the Department of Applied Physics at the University of Sharjah. Joining him are Dr Rene Doyon, a scientist at the Canadian Space Agency and professor at the University of Montreal in Canada, and Jim Adams, the former NASA deputy director of the Planetary Division, who currently serves as the Director of Innovation at Holo Art Corp.