As part of her continued commitment to experiential learning and international collaboration, Dr. Ala’a Azzam from the Department of Physics at the University of Jordan arranged an advanced training opportunity for five undergraduate students who had previously participated in the first phase of the CASPAR project.
In collaboration with Dr. Roger Hajjar from Lebanon, the students were hosted at the Farid and Mousa Raphael Observatory, where they received hands-on training in observing exoplanets using the transit technique. Over the course of three nights, students engaged in practical observational sessions and data analysis workshops, gaining critical skills in modern astrophysical research under Dr. Hajjar’s expert supervision.
This training represented a second-step program designed to build on the foundational research experience the students had acquired through CASPAR, further developing their technical competencies in observational astronomy.
The success of this visit was made possible through regional support and collaboration. The Arab Union for Astronomy and Space Sciences generously contributed 250 JOD to help cover the students’ travel expenses from Jordan to Lebanon. Additionally, the host university in Lebanon, which operates the observatory, provided free accommodation for the students throughout the duration of their stay.
This initiative highlights Dr. Azzam’s ongoing efforts to create meaningful, hands-on learning experiences and to cultivate regional partnerships that enhance educational and scientific opportunities for Jordanian students.
The Farid and Moussa Raphael Observatory is located at Notre Dame University-Louaize (NDU) in Lebanon. This observatory serves as a hub for teaching, research, and public outreach in astronomy. It is equipped with advanced instruments, including a 60-cm Planewave CDK telescope, photometric and spectroscopic tools, and a fiber-fed echelle spectrograph. These facilities support both undergraduate and graduate student projects, as well as collaborative research initiatives.