The Solaris Solar Observatory was established in a druz village in israel

The observatory, located 550 meters above sea level on the peak of carmel mountain in israel and run by the druz town of Isfia, will be equipped with four telescopes adapted for observing the sun. In addition to its educational and scientific role, the observatory will also collaborate with industry to improve the protection of electronic equipment from radiation on Earth and in space.

The Solar Observatory in Isfaia. Credit: Idan Media, Government Press Office
Solaris Solar Observatory in Isfia an arab druz village near Haifa in Israel. Credit: Idan Media, Government Press Office

In Isfaia, a Druze village located on the Carmel Peak, the construction of the "Solaris" solar observatory, the first of its kind in Israel, has been completed, as part of an investment of 1.75 million shekels and funded by the Israel Space Agency in the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology. The center is intended to serve as a center for research, education and community activity in the field of solar and space exploration, and is located at an altitude of 550 meters above sea level - optimal viewing conditions that ensure stability and high viewing quality.

About the project and facilities

The center operates advanced technologies, including four apochromatic telescopes for solar research, equipped with filters and advanced cameras for observing a diverse radiation spectrum and examining the structure of the sun. In addition, the center of activity includes a 12-inch telescope for studying deep sky objects and a 180 mm Maxotto-Cassegrain telescope, designed for photographing and collecting data from the solar system with an emphasis on studying the moon and planets.

The facility will also house a visitor center that includes classrooms, workshops, lectures, and group observations, and will operate a new-generation mobile planetarium that will provide educational content and scientific enrichment for students and the general public. The center is expected to serve as a platform for collaboration between researchers from academia and industry and produce research in areas such as improving models for predicting and impacting solar radiation, monitoring the impact of radiation on navigation and control systems, integrating solar data into climate and environmental studies, and developing technologies in the field of solar energy and radiation protection.

Making science accessible to diverse audiences

Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology Gila Gamliel and Mayor of Isfahan,
Two participants in the SOLARIS Awards ceremony present a certificate in front of banners from the world of astronomy and space.

Gila Gamliel, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, explains: "The Solaris Observatory is a platform for solar and space research, as well as for making science accessible to diverse audiences, and we see it as a significant step towards strengthening the integration of all segments of society in the scientific field." The head of the Isfaia local council, Muniv Saba, adds: "I am proud of the inauguration of the center in Isfaia. The observatory will be a hub for educational and research cooperation, and will contribute to strengthening scientific and community activity in the area." In addition, Uri Oron, Director of the Israel Space Agency at the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, notes: "The Solaris Observatory symbolizes our commitment to advancing space exploration in Israel, and is expected to be a significant asset for scientific research and nurturing the future generation in the technological field."

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