The Astronomy, Astrophysics, and Space Technology Group (AASTG) has pioneered a unique initiative to involve school students in real-world scientific research—an uncommon practice in the region. This initiative provides early exposure to scientific thinking and hands-on experimentation, fostering a new generation of aspiring scientists and astronomers.
In an unprecedented scientific milestone, a research paper was published in Nature magazine on April 9, 2025, involving Jordanian school students in a groundbreaking project on the light transitions of carbon dioxide (CO₂).
The study focused on determining rovibrational energy levels using experimental data, with contributions from students at:
Islamic Scientific College
Bunat AlGhad Academy
First University Schools
Mada International Academy
Al-Hassad Al-Tarbawi Schools
The Jubilee School
Pioneer Educational Schools
Grand International Academy – Irbid
Dr. Ala'a Azzam, the lead researcher, was instrumental in integrating school students into this cutting-edge scientific endeavor. Dr. Azzam emphasized that engaging students in research allows them to apply classroom knowledge in real scientific contexts, encouraging early and meaningful involvement in the sciences.
Involving school students in scientific research:
Develops critical thinking and scientific analysis skills.
Helps students grasp complex concepts through real-world applications.
Opens academic and career horizons by facilitating collaboration with researchers.
Fosters an appreciation and passion for science and discovery.
The students involved in this project actively contributed to:
Data collection and analysis
Team-based problem solving
Enhancing the overall quality of the research
This collaboration not only provided students with rich scientific experience but also deepened their understanding of teamwork, an essential aspect of scientific advancement.
In conclusion, Dr. Azzam noted that this initiative not only enhances academic training but also boosts students’ self-confidence and scientific capability, preparing them to face future challenges in the fields of science and technology.
The published study focused on CO₂, a critical component in Earth’s atmosphere with wide-ranging implications for:
Climate science
Environmental monitoring
Astronomical studies
Investigated the rovibrational spectrum of CO₂ at low temperatures, essential for:
Understanding atmospheric CO₂ distribution.
Enhancing climate modeling and emission tracking.
Supports remote sensing and climate satellite missions such as:
NASA's OCO-2 and OCO-3
Contributes to vital databases:
HITRAN and ExoMol, used in climate and planetary research.
The results provide reference data for:
Interpreting CO₂ spectra in planetary atmospheres (e.g., Mars, Venus, exoplanets).
Enhancing models used by missions like the James Webb Space Telescope.
This research represents a significant step in:
Improving experimental spectroscopic data.
Advancing knowledge in atmospheric science, environmental monitoring, and astronomy.
Creating new opportunities for future research and educational partnerships.