“Inside the Laboratory” is a joint collection with LCGC and Spectroscopy, profiling analytical scientists and their analysis teams at universities throughout the world. This collection spotlights the present chromatographic and spectroscopic analysis their teams are conducting, and the significance of their analysis in analytical chemistry and particular industries. In this brief characteristic, we spotlight how the Sharjah Academy of Astronomy, Space Sciences, and Technology (SAASST, United Arab Emirates [UAE]) are utilizing strategies equivalent to X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy–vitality dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), and Raman spectroscopy checks to find out the mineral composition of meteorites.
What is the Meteorite Center at the Sharjah Academy of Astronomy, Space Sciences, and Technology (SAASST)?
The Meteorite Center at SAASST focuses on analyzing the mineral composition of meteorite samples which are collected by scientists. Established in 2017, making it the first establishment in the Gulf area solely targeted on learning meteorites and enterprise space-science analysis, the Center additionally strives to develop and promote the training of astronomy and area science not solely in the UAE, but additionally the Arab world extra broadly (1).
To that finish, SAASST is comprised of a number of buildings, every with a selected goal in thoughts. Apart from the analysis heart, SAASST additionally incorporates a planetarium, astronomy exhibition, an observatory, and a Cosmic Park. These buildings are open to college students, educators, researchers, and households, who all come to SAASST for analysis or training functions.
What are the important targets of the SAASST?
There are three important targets of the SAASST. The first is to research meteors and meteorites utilizing the UAE Meteor Monitoring Network. The second goal is to conduct searches for meteorites for the functions of gathering samples for evaluation (1). Third, the SAASST is geared towards constructing a Space Situational Awareness (SSA) program in the UAE, which in flip will assist develop this department of science in the nation (1).
What are some of the key achievements of SAASST researchers?
One of the important successes of SAASST researchers to this point is utilizing machine studying (ML) algorithms to optimize and enhance their drone meteorite system (DMS). SAASST has additionally constructed a number of sorts of neural community architectures to research the quantity of information being generated by their devices. Particularly in functions involving visible information and laptop imaginative and prescient, convolution neural networks (NCSs), a sort of deep studying mannequin, have been used (2).
These deep studying algorithms have been developed of their Space Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (SAIL) (3). SAASST researchers have been in a position to make use of these algorithms to assist differentiate earthly rocks from meteorites by coaching their mannequin on the meteorite assortment at SAASST and on the rocks collected from the surrounding space of Sharjah (3).
What is the significance of the Meteorite Center at SAASST?
The Meteorite Center at SAASST stands out as an establishment in meteorites and planetary science inside the Gulf area. With its in depth and diversified assortment, superior laboratory capabilities, and energetic engagement in statement (by UAEMMN) and public outreach, it bridges analysis, training, and group curiosity in area science and astronomy (1).
Of specific notice is the Center’s assortment of meteorites obtainable for researchers to research and research. These meteorites vary from huge iron meteorites to uncommon lunar and Martian specimens, tektites, and impactites, which give astronomers, geologists, and college students with direct entry to extraterrestrial supplies not often obtainable in the area (1). Through systematic cataloguing and digital archiving, the Center is constructing a useful resource that might help long-term worldwide analysis collaborations.
By combining meteorite evaluation, meteor monitoring, workshops, and seminars, together with collaborations with international specialists, the Center helps place the UAE on the map in the discipline of planetary science and fosters a brand new technology of scientists concerned with area, geology, and the origins of the photo voltaic system.
You can learn extra about the Meteorite Center at SAASST
References
- SAASST, Meteorite Center. SAASST.ae. Available at:
https://www.saasst.ae/index.php/space-sciences/meteorite-center#:~:text=The%20Meteorite%20Center%20at%20the%20Sharjah%20Academy,qualifies%20the%20elemental%20composition%20of%20a%20sample (accessed 2025-12-05). - SAASST, DMS – Drone Meteorite System. SAASST.ae. Available at:
https://saasst.ae/index.php/hm/dms (accessed 2025-12-05). - SAASST, Space Artificial Intelligence Laboratory. SAASST.ae. Available at:
https://saasst.ae/index.php/space-sciences/space-artificial-intelligence (accessed 2025-12-08).