In the United Arab Emirates, a system for monitoring the proximity of space objects has been deployed.
The UAE Space Agency, in collaboration with the Center for Astronomy and Space Sciences of the Emirate of Sharjah, has created a monitoring network for approaching meteorites. It included three observation towers in different parts of the country - in Sharjah, Al Ain and Liv.
Each tower has 17 cameras that monitor falling space objects. From September 2018 to May 2019, the network recorded about 9.5 thousand meteorites.
The goal of the new initiative is to monitor all space objects and debris in the sky above the UAE and provide universities with the opportunity to use objects for research related to meteorites.
According to experts, from time to time meteorites reach the territory of the UAE, but mainly they fall in deserts. With the help of the new network, the team will be able to predict the possible place of impact of the space object.
The possession, extraction, sale or purchase of meteorites in the country without the permission of the authorities is punishable by law. However, at the Center for Astronomy, which is part of the new monitoring network, objects from space are sold and bought legally.
