VARIETY: Some of the books available at the fair. Photos: Umer Nangiana
By Umer Nangiana
Those interested in the study of celestial objects would know that despite tremendous achievements made in the scientific discipline of astronomy, many important questions about the vast observable universe and its contents remain unanswered.
Scientists are still trying to find out, for instance, if there exists life other than on Earth? How did the first galaxies form? How did super massive black holes come into being? What creates the ultra-high-energy cosmic rays?
Throughout Ramadan, Katara Cultural Village through its “Quran and Astronomy” festival provided all those wondering about such and other questions an opportunity to find answers.
The visitors were given the chance to look for answers by studying the Holy Qur’an supplemented by personal and up close observation of celestial objects with the help of astronomical instruments and various exhibitions curated at Katara galleries.
However, the most sought-after place for all students of astronomy and the avid followers of developments in the study of universe visiting Katara during Ramadan was the Astronomy Book Fair.
Putting together some 200 books on the subjects in both Arabic and English collected from various libraries within and outside Qatar, the fair is set up in a galaxy-like environment in building 22 and has been attracting dozens every day. And, it is still on, though entering its last few days.
On entering the building, you would feel like stepping into a library in space. Comfortable sitting places, with plenty of books, have been aesthetically created within the giant sized walls displaying the simulations of galaxies and clouds of celestial objects. It is an ideal place to be for fans of astronomy in Qatar.
“Avid sci-fi readers will get the chance to pick up their favourite books. Katara will combine knowledge and fun by providing a selection of valuable books for adults and children about scientific explorations and discoveries of planets, the sky and the universe,” said Katara in its introduction to the book fair.
Children and adults alike have been among the audience of the amazing “library”. You can walk in, pick up a book on your favourite subject in astronomy and read it sitting right in the middle of the cosmos.
The exhibition truly takes the audience on an unforgettable galactic journey besides giving them the opportunity to witness and appreciate the beauty of the vast universe.
“For me the most interesting part was the documentary on stars, their discoveries and the facts about meteors,” said Abdullah, one of the visitors at the book fair and the parallel running galaxies’ exhibition. The teenager looked clearly amazed by the new knowledge he gained through the documentary.
Translated in English, the film is played on a big screen highlighting cosmic explosions, meteors, the sun and other occurrences mentioned in the Qur’an.
You have the opportunity to gain the theoretical knowledge of astronomy from the book fair and almost instantly experiment with the newly acquired knowledge at the telescope erected at the nearby amphitheatre. Depending on the weather conditions, it will give you a closer look at the stars and the Milky Way, hosting our solar system.
“For the last two days, the night sky has not been too clear for the telescope to effectively work. But earlier, it has been a favourite of children in particular,” said an official at Katara.
The galaxies’ exhibition at Katara allowed visitors to view the world of galaxies and planets through latest images taken by Hubble Space Telescope. The captivating images taken from the Hubble project galaxies in their true colours and formations.
Displaying images of the Milky Way besides that of different astronomical phenomena in space, it gives the audience know how on the vastness of the universe. Despite studying all that is available at hand, you would however leave the exhibition in the end with a curious mind, raising further questions and seeking new answers about the scientific discoveries and their explanations.
The expo and the book fair are open until tomorrow (July 31).
BELOW:
CELESTIAL EXPERIENCE: A seating arrangement surrounded by galaxies.
