Get ready to stargaze at the AlUla Manara Observatory
The venue will be opening soon…
The Royal Commission for AlUla just signed an agreement with SETI Institute for the development of the AlUla Manara Observatory.
The centre will be supporting space and astronomy sciences and will act as a leading global space for innovation in the field.
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The agreement seeks to boost AlUla’s status as a leading world destination for star and astronomy exploration tourism.
The collaboration will make AlUla Manara a hub for scientific advancement through research projects and initiatives for the growing astro-tourism sector in AlUla. This will allow scientists to conduct space surveys and analyze data.
Senior Planetary Astronomer and Director of Citizen Science at the institute Frank Marchis said: “We envision the AlUla Manara Observatory as a beacon of discovery, equipped with advanced and modern telescopes to detect new planets and stars, pushing astronomical research to further frontiers.”
He also said that their initiative in astronomical sciences will invite the community and tourists to “stargaze, explore AlUla’s rich scientific heritage, foster international collaboration, and revive humanity’s deep connection with the universe.”
The main aim of the centre will be exploring the origins of life and intelligence in planets and stars and then further sharing it with the rest of the world.
Located near AlUla’s Gharameel area, the observatory is set to open in several phases over the coming years, although an exact year is yet to be specified.
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