As part of the continuous efforts of the Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Science and Technology (SAASST) of the University of Sharjah (UOS) to enhance knowledge and improve capabilities of students, enthusiast and the general public in astronomy field, the Planetarium Department of the Academy organized a training workshop entitled ;Touch the Sky with Stellarium over two days, with the aim of providing an opportunity for participants to explore the sky, its stars and objects from the screen, track and understand its movements. The workshop was presented by Mr. Marwan Shwaiki, Deputy General Director for Planetarium and Space Exhibition at SAASST. During the first day, participants aged from 18 to 45 years old were intrdodecd to the celestial sphere coordinates, to understand how to deal with the astronomical observation program Stellarium. On the second day, a detailed explanation of the planetarium program Stellarium was shared with the participants which enabled them to understand and assimilate how the program works through several exercises performed.

Mr. Marwan Shwaiki pointed out that the Stellarium program is considered as one of the most applications that offer many advantages to sky observers, as the application is a realistic simulation of the sky and enjoys high technology to provide the possibility of locating planets, moons, comets, constellations, satellites, the International Space Station and other objects and space bodies in real time for their appearance and also allows the user, the ability to control the telescope and organize fun and accurate observation sessions.