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Manara AlUla operates two LaserSETI stations, making AlUla the project's first and only site in Asia

The Royal Commission for AlUla announced that installation and operation of two LaserSETI stations at Manara AlUla is complete, after the initial operation phase ended on 19 August 2026. AlUla becomes the project's fifth operational observatory worldwide, alongside California, Hawaii, Arizona and Puerto Rico (SPA, 25 October 2026).

The two LaserSETI stations at Manara AlUla
Photo: SPA
WHY IT MATTERS

Let me explain

The stations watch the night sky continuously for transient optical phenomena, rare flashes or changes in light that may be linked to cosmic events, as well as possible laser signals, and send their data to the global network for comparison between sites. The project benefits from AlUla's dark skies and low light pollution and extends the cooperation agreement between the Royal Commission and the SETI Institute announced on 8 August 2024. The next phase is analysing the collected data and developing new research partnerships (Royal Commission for AlUla via SPA, 25 October 2026).