“Ever wonder where shooting stars end their journey?” I ask you. Right here at the Attarik Foundation in Casablanca, we explore that very question. This is more than just a building. The Attarik Foundation is a gateway to understanding our universe.
Founded as a non-profit, the Attarik Foundation resides at Hassan II University. It is in the Ain Chock Faculty. The foundation emerged from the founders’ deep experience. They have expertise in meteoritics and planetary science. Morocco’s richness in extraterrestrial rocks fueled its creation.
The Attarik Foundation’s mission is grand. It aims to promote meteorites, planets, and astronomy. They want to reach researchers, students, and the general public. Their focus starts in Morocco. Then, it expands to the Arab world and African countries.
The Attarik Foundation engages in basic and applied research. They also focus on training and pedagogy. The foundation supports projects related to its expertise. It promotes the preservation of Moroccan geoheritage too.
Imagine holding a piece of another world. At the Attarik Foundation, that is a tangible possibility. Morocco’s Sahara plays a crucial role. The desert’s vastness and the interest of nomads contribute to meteorite discoveries. A community of meteorite hunters secures these rocks in the desert.
Professor Hasnaa Chennaoui leads the Attarik Foundation. She emphasizes that meteorites reveal the solar system’s origin. They inform us about water and organic matter on Earth. Meteorites also teach us about the evolution of the universe.
The foundation actively engages with the youth. They spark scientific curiosity. The Attarik Foundation participates in science festivals. They also visit schools to share knowledge.
One of the Attarik Foundation’s key initiatives is its expo-museum. It was first at AnfaPlace Mall. Now it is at Marina Shopping in Casablanca. The museum brings science closer to the public. It welcomes everyone.
The Attarik Foundation showcases meteorites fallen in Morocco. Those meteorites fell during the last twenty years. The expo-museum includes fossils, minerals, and tributes to Muslim scholars. They contributed to astronomy and science. A professional planetarium adds to the experience.
The story “Moi, Tamdakht la météorite” tells of a meteorite that fell in Morocco. It fell in December 2008. Tamdakht is the closest village to the fall. The story shares the meteorite’s history with simple language.
The Attarik Foundation emphasizes scientific development. They focus on education in basic and applied sciences. This approach is important for sustainable economic and social development. The foundation aims to strengthen innovation among young people.
The Attarik Foundation contributes to enriching school curricula. It encourages open-mindedness through science. The foundation extends its work to other countries in Africa and the MENA region. The Moroccan experience serves as a reference. It helps develop planetary sciences.
So, as you stand here, remember the Attarik Foundation’s vision. The Attarik Foundation connects us to the cosmos. It inspires the next generation of scientists and explorers. It makes the wonders of the universe accessible to all.