Abu Dhabi, UAE – May 12, 2025 — In a remarkable display of astronomical precision and visual wonder, UAE astronomers have captured and released stunning footage of the Sun’s surface, revealing solar prominences, sunspots, and filaments in exquisite detail.
The 10-second time-lapse clip, compiled by Emirati astronomer Mohammed Odeh, was produced at the Al-Khatim Astronomical Observatory in Abu Dhabi and made public by the Astronomy Centre on Monday.
The rare solar imagery, recorded around noon on Sunday, May 11, offers viewers a glimpse into the Sun’s chromosphere—the turbulent layer lying just above the visible photosphere.
Unlike standard telescopes or the naked eye, which only detect the Sun’s outer surface, the observatory team used a specialised Hydrogen-alpha solar telescope to peer deeper into the Sun’s dynamic atmosphere.
According to the Astronomy Centre, the footage shows several striking solar features, including sweeping solar prominences at the edges of the Sun, intricate solar spicules radiating from the limb, scattered dark filaments across the surface, and clusters of sunspots—cooler, magnetically intense regions that appear darker against the hot solar backdrop.
The clip is the result of more than 80 minutes of meticulous solar observation, during which thousands of images were taken and later stitched together into a smooth time-lapse sequence. The advanced imaging technique allows astronomers to track the rapid motion of solar materials and observe phenomena that would otherwise be imperceptible in real-time.
Joining Odeh in this project were fellow observatory team members Osama Ghannam, Anas Mohammed, and Khalfan Al-Nuaimi. The team’s collaborative effort represents a significant milestone for local astronomy and showcases the UAE’s growing capabilities in space and celestial observation.
“The Hydrogen-alpha telescope is an invaluable tool for viewing the chromosphere,” Odeh explained. “It filters out most wavelengths of light and only allows the red light emitted by hydrogen atoms, which reveals a host of fascinating solar phenomena that we cannot see otherwise.”
This type of solar observation is crucial for understanding solar activity, which can have significant implications for space weather. Solar prominences and flares, for instance, are associated with coronal mass ejections (CMEs) that can interfere with satellite operations, GPS systems, and even power grids on Earth.
The observatory’s work reflects a broader effort in the UAE to promote scientific inquiry and public interest in space. In recent years, the country has launched ambitious projects such as the Emirates Mars Mission and has actively supported the development of local talent in astronomy and astrophysics.
The solar imagery has since been widely circulated online, with the Astronomy Centre encouraging residents and science enthusiasts to view the clip and learn more about the dynamic processes powering our nearest star.
As the UAE continues to position itself as a regional leader in space science, such captivating astronomical footage serves not only as a scientific resource but also as an inspiration to future generations of scientists and explorers.
For those eager to witness the fiery dance of the Sun, the clip is available through the Astronomy Centre’s official channels and has been spotlighted by Khaleej Times’ digital platforms, including its WhatsApp Channels service.