The Cadi Ayyad University Observatory (OUCA) is a research center affiliated with Cadi Ayyad University. It was established through the initiative of Moroccan researchers in the field of astrophysics and officially took shape in 1999 with the creation of a research group at the Faculty of Sciences Semlalia, called the Laboratory of High Energy Physics and Astrophysics.
The site has been utilized by Moroccan researchers since 1987, following the launch of the international IRIS network experiment (Benkhaldoun, 1991). Over the years, the observatory has evolved in step with the growing interest in astrophysics in Morocco and the increasing international recognition of the site’s exceptional observational qualities. Numerous scientific studies have highlighted the site's potential for both solar and stellar observations. A more detailed history is available in an article published in the inaugural issue of the journal L’Astronomie Afrique (Benkhaldoun, 2021).
Thanks to the efforts of these pioneering researchers, the university’s governing bodies formally adopted the project during the 2003–2004 academic year. New facilities were constructed and inaugurated in April 2007 during the first edition of the Oukaimeden International School of Astrophysics (OISA).
In June 2007, the observatory was officially registered with the International Astronomical Union (IAU). A campaign of astrometric measurements of IAU-validated asteroids resulted in the assignment of an official code (J43) and name (Oukaimeden Observatory).
In April 2009, the university council approved the observatory’s charter, and by December of the same year, a director was officially appointed. A development plan and internal regulations were subsequently approved by the management board.
On May 5, 2016, the Cadi Ayyad University’s executive committee reassigned the university’s research centers to specific academic units to streamline administrative and financial operations. OUCA was placed under the jurisdiction of the Faculty of Sciences Semlalia, a move that significantly improved financial management.
Since 2022, the observatory has expanded its collaboration with the private sector to install remotely operable telescopes for scientific research and astrophotography. To date, five companies have established facilities at the site: HAWK, AGT, ASC, Spaceflux, and Astrograph.
In the same spirit of collaboration, the observatory has welcomed the Moroccan astrophotography community by allocating space for a telescope shelter known as the High Atlas Observatory (HAO).
In 2024, two faculty positions (Maîtres de Conférences) were assigned to the observatory and filled by the Physics Department of the Faculty of Sciences Semlalia.
Missions :
As outlined in its charter, the OUCA fulfills three primary missions:
1. Research and International Cooperation
Advancing knowledge of the universe and providing services to the national and international scientific community. The observatory is also actively engaged in international cooperation initiatives.
2. Education and Training
Offering both initial and continuing training programs related to its core activities.
3. Science Communication and Public Outreach
Promoting scientific literacy and outreach through public engagement and dissemination of research.
Key Achievements
Scientific Publications
- Since 2010, 204 scientific publications have been affiliated with “Oukaimeden Observatory, Cadi Ayyad University.”, with a Google Scholar h-index of 36.
Découvertes:
- Exoplanets: Including the famous TRAPPIST system, one of the most renowned exoplanetary systems worldwide (published in lNature).
- Rings of Quaoar: Discovery related to the rings of the dwarf planet Quaoar, challenging the Roche limit (published in Nature)
- Exo-Earth LP 791-18d: A potentially habitable planet (published in Nature)
- BlueWalker 3: First characterization of the brightest artificial satellite to date (published in Nature).
- Comets: Discovery of four new comets officially recognized by the IAU, including one named C/2013 V5 (Oukaimeden).
- Near-Earth Asteroids: Discovery of 13 new near-Earth objects (NEOs), including one binary system, officially cataloged by the IAU.
Réalisation de nouveaux instruments:
- DIMMAR (Differential Image Motion Monitor Of MARrakech)
Developed as part of a PhD thesis at OUCA and published in Astronomy & Astrophysics. - ISM (Interferential Seeing Monitor)
Developed and published in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society (MNRAS), also as part of a doctoral project. - SSS (Single Star Scidar)
Initially developed in collaboration with the University of Nice during a PhD program, later improved through a university habilitation and a second PhD conducted at OUCA. Four publications have resulted from this system. - Space Debris and Satellite Surveillance Platform
Currently under development, this platform aims to monitor artificial satellites and orbital debris.
Contact and Resource:
Website: Under construction (https://ouca.uca.ma)
