KUWAIT: Kuwaiti Astronomer Khalid Al-Jamaan participated in the International Astronomical Union (IAU) to name planets and stars recently discovered by NASA. Representative of Kuwait at IAU Al-Jamaan told KUNA this is this is the first participation of its kind for Kuwait, adding that such international scientific participations boost the country’s status in the field of astronomy at the international level. He said many countries competed according to certain standards set by IAU experts who are specialized in scientific supervision on programs and discoveries in the field of astronomy and space.
He added that IAU contribute to organizing and categorizing scientific discoveries and give them names to be placed on maps and references, pointing out that officiating was completed lately and the announcement of several stars and planets were named, which is thought that life is possible on them, and names suggested by Tunis and Bahrain were selected.
He said union representatives in all countries are preparing for next year to name another group of stars, adding the union aims at promoting scientific culture, provided the names should be inspired by the history and culture of participating countries. IAU was established in 1919 in Paris, France. It is specialized in categorizing the discovered luminaries, approve and publish astronomical researches and studies in addition to following programs and activities in various countries around the world. – KUNA