Falak

Astronomy at Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA) establishment began in 1995 with the KUSZA Observatory originally focused on Islamic astronomical needs such as hilal (new moon) observation, qiblah determination, and prayer‐time calculations astronomy at UniSZA has evolved into an interdisciplinary research hub. Today, UniSZA embraces both heritage and cutting edge science, extending into critical fields like space weather, seismology, geomagnetism, and radio astronomy. In partnership with Kyushu University (Japan), UniSZA hosts a MAGDAS magnetometer station at the East Coast Environmental Research Institute (ESERI) to continuously monitor geomagnetic variations and solar terrestrial interactions. These data support investigations into space weather phenomena such as solar wind disturbances and their effects on satellites, power grids, and communication systems. Concurrently, researchers analyze ultra low frequency magnetic data to detect possible seismic precursors. Studies using MAGDAS and comparative station data have shown correlations between ULF signals and earthquake properties, advancing early warning research. Complementing these geophysical efforts, the KUSZA Observatory conducts radio frequency interference surveys and hosts radio astronomy experiments within designated low RFI zones, targeting spectral windows like the hydrogen and deuterium lines for astronomical observations. Leveraging state of the art facilities and international collaborations, Astronomy at UniSZA blends traditional Islamic practices with modern science, establishing it as a leading centre in Southeast Asia for geospace, seismo‑electromagnetic, and radio‑astronomical research.