The first solar observatory of its kind in Israel will be inaugurated this week in the Druze town of Usfiya on the Carmel. The observatory, which was built at a cost of NIS 1.75 million, is intended to promote space and astronomy among the Druze population, as part of the government's decisions to reduce gaps in Arab society by 2026.
The unique facility, which is equipped with advanced research equipment, will enable high-level solar studies to be carried out for the first time in Israel, both for students in the education system and for researchers from academia and industry. "This is a significant step in the advancement of scientific education and astronomical research in Israel," said Brig. Gen. Uri Oron, Director of the Israel Space Agency at the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, "We have initiated this project for a number of reasons and one of them is to increase the number of professionals who choose to work in the field of space, but also as researchers, engineers, entrepreneurs, etc."
A significant scientific and community center
The construction of the observatory is led by the "Space Valley" company, which has a wealth of experience in the field of space education. The company faced significant challenges during the construction stage, including delays in the arrival of sensitive equipment owing to the security situation in the north of the country. Despite the difficulties, the observatory has been built and will begin full operation immediately after Israel Space Week.
The observatory's location, at an altitude of 550 meters above sea level, allows for improved atmospheric viewing conditions and stable, high-quality observations. From a scientific point of view, it will study celestial bodies outside the solar system, but will focus, for the most part, on the study of the solar system, with a special emphasis on the sun itself. The telescopes, which are equipped with advanced filters of different wavelengths and cameras for the simultaneous viewing of different regions of the sun's surface, will allow exploration in different spectrum lines.
In addition to its scientific activity, the observatory has a visitor center that serves as the focal point of educational and community activity. In this way, the observatory will offer a variety of activities, including solar and stellar observations, after-school activities, and research programs for students. In addition, there will be professional training for educational staff and special programs for teens. The Israel Space Agency will fund the operation of the observatory for the first three years, with the aim of establishing it as a significant scientific center in the region.
The decision to locate the observatory in Usfiya was made after a public tender, and it fits into the government's program for empowerment and socio-economic development in the Druze and Circassian communities in the Galilee and on Mount Carmel. The observatory is expected to be a center of attraction for visitors from all over the country and will also make a significant contribution to the advancement of science and technology in Druze society.