ABU DHABI // The Emirates Mobile Observatory is giving amateur astronomers the chance to watch closely as Jupiter appears at its biggest and brightest in a decade.
The last time the largest planet in the solar system was this close to earth was in 1999.
The mobile observatory will set up its telescopic equipment in Khalidiya Public Garden, by the Corniche, from 8pm to midnight so residents can get a better look. Nazar Sallam, president of Emirates Mobile Observatory and a member of the Arab Astronomical Union, will be on hand to explain the finer scientific points of the occasion to those who turn up.
He said the event occurs when the Sun, Earth and Jupiter are aligned with each other.
"All the atmospheric features of Jupiter could be seen through a telescope," he added.
Jupiter's relative proximity will allow its turbulent weather patterns to be seen clearly with a telescope tonight. The clouds near its poles move so quickly they go all the way round the planet once every 10 to 15 minutes.
"Children will get a chance to live the same experience Galileo lived 400 years ago when he saw Jupiter for the first time through a telescope."
While the size of Jupiter as seen from Earth was 46 arc seconds - an arc second is one 3,600th of a degree - last month, tonight it can be seen at approximately 49 arc seconds. The planet will be around 604 million kilometres from Earth, compared with the 670 or 700 million kilometres that is the closest point for most of its orbit. The Earth is about 150 million kilometres from the sun.
Jupiter will appear brightest when it reaches its maximum altitude in the zenith at midnight - the time when the three celestial bodies are in direct alignment.
Mr Sallam stressed that people should use a telescope to see the difference. "Otherwise it will appear like a shiny spot," he said.
hdajani@thenational.ae
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Ziina users can donate to relief efforts in Beirut
Ziina users will be able to use the app to help relief efforts in Beirut, which has been left reeling after an August blast caused an estimated $15 billion in damage and left thousands homeless. Ziina has partnered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to raise money for the Lebanese capital, co-founder Faisal Toukan says. “As of October 1, the UNHCR has the first certified badge on Ziina and is automatically part of user's top friends' list during this campaign. Users can now donate any amount to the Beirut relief with two clicks. The money raised will go towards rebuilding houses for the families that were impacted by the explosion.”
What is the FNC?
The Federal National Council is one of five federal authorities established by the UAE constitution. It held its first session on December 2, 1972, a year to the day after Federation.
It has 40 members, eight of whom are women. The members represent the UAE population through each of the emirates. Abu Dhabi and Dubai have eight members each, Sharjah and Ras al Khaimah six, and Ajman, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain have four.
They bring Emirati issues to the council for debate and put those concerns to ministers summoned for questioning.
The FNC’s main functions include passing, amending or rejecting federal draft laws, discussing international treaties and agreements, and offering recommendations on general subjects raised during sessions.
Federal draft laws must first pass through the FNC for recommendations when members can amend the laws to suit the needs of citizens. The draft laws are then forwarded to the Cabinet for consideration and approval.
Since 2006, half of the members have been elected by UAE citizens to serve four-year terms and the other half are appointed by the Ruler’s Courts of the seven emirates.
In the 2015 elections, 78 of the 252 candidates were women. Women also represented 48 per cent of all voters and 67 per cent of the voters were under the age of 40.
Five films to watch
Castle in the Sky (1986)
Grave of the Fireflies (1988)
Only Yesterday (1991)
Pom Poki (1994)
The Tale of Princess Kaguya (2013)
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
Cricket World Cup League 2
UAE results
Lost to Oman by eight runs
Beat Namibia by three wickets
Lost to Oman by 12 runs
Beat Namibia by 43 runs
UAE fixtures
Free admission. All fixtures broadcast live on icc.tv
Tuesday March 15, v PNG at Sharjah Cricket Stadium
Friday March 18, v Nepal at Dubai International Stadium
Saturday March 19, v PNG at Dubai International Stadium
Monday March 21, v Nepal at Dubai International Stadium
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BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE
Starring: Winona Ryder, Michael Keaton, Jenny Ortega
Director: Tim Burton
Rating: 3/5
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Directors: Min Geun, Oh Yoon-Dong
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Opening day UAE Premiership fixtures, Friday, September 22:
- Dubai Sports City Eagles v Dubai Exiles
- Dubai Hurricanes v Abu Dhabi Saracens
- Jebel Ali Dragons v Abu Dhabi Harlequins