The 9th edition of the Astronomy Festival kicked off on Friday in Ifrane,

IFRANE

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"In search of threats from the sky".

Organised by the Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane (UAI), the event focuses on themes related to astronomy, and more specific the risks related to possible impact on earth by space waste and metiorites. those related to space hazards, such as the impact of meteorites and space waste.

In Earth's orbit itself, the U.S. Space Surveillance Network is tracking more than 14,000 pieces of space junk that are larger than 10 cm (4 inches) across, such as defunct satellites and rocket stages. It's estimated that there are millions of pieces smaller than that. ( source Brittanica)

For the director of the Festival, Hassane Darhmaoui, this theme is relevant and fits perfectly well in the context of the multiple dangers coming from asteroids and satellite debris, pointing out that this waste continues to grow in the sky.

For his part, Hasnaa Chennaoui Aoudjehane, a specialist in the field and professor at the Faculty of Science Aïn Chock at Hassan II University in Casablanca, stressed the risks as well as the opportunities that asteroids offer for life on earth, adding that the dangers that come from the sky are of diverse origins.

The current debate focuses on the natural objects that asteroids are, she noted, noting that asteroids are also sometimes referred to as minor planets that have existed since the early formation of the solar system.

Hasnaa Chennaoui Aoudjehane reviewed the typology of asteroids, their number and their characteristics.

This edition, organised around conferences, workshops, exhibitions and observation nights, is being broadcast online, due to the restrictions and health measures imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The night observations will be transmitted live from the Al Akhawayn University Astronomical Observatory.

This event will be attended by several Moroccan and foreign scientists who will exchange on several astronomy related topics, particularly those related to space hazards, such as meteorite impacts and space waste.

The Festival aims to be a platform for young people where scientific culture is a source of entertainment, enrichment and discovery.

For its initiators, the Festival is both a popular and scientific annual event, bringing together the general public, the curious and passionate about astronomy, as well as professional and amateur astronomers.

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Sources l'opinion.ma , lematin.ma,Britannica

( Ifrane the small Switzerland of Morocco is 4.30h drive from Marrakech and is known for the typical architecture of the region and the lack of pollution which makes it the perfect spot to observe the space.)