Muscat – Omani expertise is helping spearhead a project to establish Zanzibar’s first astronomical observatory at Tunguu in South Unguja, in a collaboration between the Oman Astronomical and Space Society (OSAS) and the Zanzibar Astronomy and Space Society (ZASS).
Supported by the Zanzibar Government and Omani private-sector specialists, including Muscat-based AstroSolutions, the project aims to position the island as a centre for astronomical research, scientific education and space studies. The planned facility will feature a robotic 14-inch telescope, an 8m observatory dome and a 52-seat digital planetarium. The Zanzibar Government has allocated approximately 4,000sqm of land at Tunguu for the development.
“Our vision is not simply to establish an observatory, but to create a centre of scientific learning, discovery, innovation and inspiration for generations of young Africans,” a ZASS official told Muscat Daily.
The robotic telescope will enable systematic astronomical observations and allow researchers to participate in scientific programmes remotely.
The observatory will also support research into variable stars, transient astronomical events, asteroids and near-Earth objects, exoplanets and photometric studies.
“The observatory is designed to serve educational as well as scientific purposes, with a programme of proposed research covering several areas of modern astronomy,” the official said.
“We want young people to learn how to collect scientific data, analyse it, conduct research, and contribute to the international scientific community.”
The initiative is intended to extend beyond astronomical observations, providing opportunities for scientific training, technological innovation and international research cooperation, with a particular focus on young people.
An AstroSolutions official said the project aimed to inspire greater interest in science and space exploration among Zanzibar’s youth.
“Our ultimate ambition is simple but profound: to inspire a generation of young Zanzibaris who will not only look at the stars but may one day reach them,” the official said.
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