Opening Speech on the Occasion of the Establishment of the Jordanian Society for Meteors and Meteorites

Dr. Awni Mohammed Al-Khasawneh – President of the Society

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

Welcome to the official page of the Jordanian Society for Meteors and Meteorites. It is my pleasure to extend a warm greeting to you on this remarkable occasion, which marks a new beginning for education and scientific culture in our beloved country, Jordan. The establishment of this society, the first of its kind in the Arab region, reflects our shared vision of expanding knowledge horizons and enhancing scientific understanding of meteors and meteorites.

The idea of founding this society stemmed from the combined efforts of academics and specialized researchers who believe in the vital role of science in the progress and development of society. Through this society, we aim to support research and specialized studies on meteors and meteorites, with a focus on their environmental and scientific impacts. Our top priority is to elevate scientific awareness among new generations through educational programs and workshops designed for children and youth. These initiatives will help cultivate a culture that values these celestial phenomena.

We firmly believe in the importance of building a comprehensive knowledge base to document astronomical events. Therefore, the society will work on recording meteors and meteorites that fall in Jordan, in collaboration with government entities such as the Ministries of Environment, Culture, and Education. This collaboration will help establish unified policies and coordinating bodies between relevant local and international institutions. This project represents a significant step toward developing a comprehensive scientific reference for researchers and enthusiasts alike.

Enhancing Arab and international cooperation is also a cornerstone of our policy. Our goal is to facilitate knowledge exchange and strengthen research efforts in this vital field, which requires collective endeavors to tackle existing challenges.

Among our future plans, we aspire to establish an advanced laboratory dedicated to the collection, analysis, and classification of meteorites. This center will not only contribute to studying meteorites and uncovering valuable information about the origin and evolution of the solar system, but it will also train students in the use of advanced equipment and software for meteorite analysis. This initiative will enhance the skills of researchers and students in astronomical sciences. Additionally, we plan to create a permanent meteorite exhibition, showcasing the beauty and diversity of these celestial objects to inspire visitors and foster a culture of scientific exploration.

Furthermore, we will advocate for clear legislation and regulations governing the research, collection, and study of meteorites. These laws should define the rights and responsibilities of researchers, ensuring sustainable and effective utilization of these valuable resources while adhering to environmental and legal standards.

In conclusion, I want to emphasize that the Jordanian Society for Meteors and Meteorites will play a crucial role in advancing education and scientific culture within our community. We are excited to embark on this journey and look forward to your active participation and valuable contributions to this pioneering scientific endeavor.

Thank you for your support and encouragement. We hope this platform ignites your passion for the fascinating field of astronomy.

Peace, mercy, and blessings be upon you.

Dr. Awni Mohammed Al-Khasawneh
President of the Jordanian Society for Meteors and Meteorites