Researcher at National Research Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics (NRIAG), Egypt.
Dr. Saad Abd-Elkader Ata is an Egyptian astrophysicist whose research centers on high-energy astrophysics, with particular emphasis on Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN) and blazar-type sources. He brings a combination of observational experience and theoretical modeling to the field, striving to uncover the energetic mysteries of the universe. His academic and professional journey has been deeply rooted at Al-Azhar University and the National Research Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics (NRIAG), where he has made significant contributions to observational astronomy. Dr. Ata has participated in several prestigious workshops, schools, and international conferences, such as the Arab Conference on Astronomy and Geophysics and IAU Regional Meetings, helping build his reputation as a rising scholar in astrophysics. He has been instrumental in collaborative projects focused on transient astronomical phenomena and blazar variability, including coordinated studies between Egypt and Bulgaria. As a Ph.D. candidate, he is currently working on advanced X-ray studies of blazars, building upon his previous master’s research involving Suzaku X-ray data of AGNs. Through his commitment to both research and capacity-building in astronomy, he plays an active role in Egypt’s growing scientific community, especially in large-scale initiatives like the establishment of a new 6.5-meter telescope in Egypt.
📝Publication Profile
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🎓Education
Dr. Saad Abd-Elkader Ata pursued his academic education in astrophysics at Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt. He earned his Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Astrophysics in 2014, during which he completed a graduation project focused on the classical three-body problem—a foundational topic in celestial mechanics. In 2020, he received his Master of Science (M.Sc.) degree in Astrophysics. His master’s thesis, titled “Suzaku X-ray Studies of Some Active Galactic Nuclei BL Lacertae Type,” marked his early specialization in high-energy astrophysics and AGN studies. Currently, Dr. Ata is a Ph.D. candidate at Al-Azhar University, beginning his doctoral research in 2023. His ongoing Ph.D. project, “Some Advanced X-ray Studies of Active Galactic Nuclei Blazars Type,” aims to push the boundaries of observational X-ray astronomy with a focus on AGN variability and jet emission mechanisms. Throughout his academic journey, Dr. Ata has acquired a strong theoretical and practical foundation in astrophysics and has consistently focused on high-energy phenomena, particularly those linked to the universe’s most energetic and variable sources. His academic background underscores a sustained trajectory of growth and specialization in the field, well-aligned with global trends in AGN and blazar research.
💼Professional Experience
Dr. Saad Abd-Elkader Ata has accumulated a robust portfolio of professional experience in astrophysics research and observational astronomy. From 2016 to 2019, he worked as a Research Assistant at the National Research Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics (NRIAG) in Cairo, Egypt, where he contributed to multiple observational campaigns and data analysis initiatives. Since 2020, he has served as an Assistant Researcher at NRIAG, continuing his work on high-energy astrophysics and instrumental observation. Notably, he has been a key observer on the Kottamia Astronomical Telescope (KAO) between 2018 and 2023, participating in numerous observational missions, including those related to AGN, blazars, and transient astronomical phenomena. Dr. Ata is also a member of the scientific board of KAO, contributing to strategic decisions regarding observational priorities and technical improvements. His experience extends to mountain field missions and multi-parameter studies aimed at establishing a new 6.5-meter ground-based telescope in Egypt. Through his roles at NRIAG and KAO, Dr. Ata has developed valuable skills in telescope operation, data acquisition, and project coordination, becoming a vital part of Egypt’s astronomical infrastructure. His professional track record reflects a deep commitment to both theoretical astrophysics and its practical, observational applications.
🔬Research Interest
Dr. Saad Abd-Elkader Ata’s research interests lie primarily in high-energy astrophysics, with a specialized focus on Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN), including blazar and BL Lacertae subtypes. His work is motivated by a desire to understand the most energetic and dynamic processes in the universe. He is particularly intrigued by the variability and emission properties of AGNs observed in X-rays, seeking to contribute to the refinement of theoretical models such as the unified model of AGN. This model explains the diversity in AGN classifications based on orientation effects and the physical structure surrounding the central supermassive black hole. Dr. Ata also investigates short-term variability in AGN emissions, including rapid X-ray flares that occur over minutes or hours, which challenge current theoretical frameworks. His Ph.D. research centers on advanced X-ray studies of blazars, which are among the most extreme forms of AGN. Through these studies, he aims to bridge the gap between observational data and cosmological modeling, ultimately contributing to our understanding of galaxy evolution and the large-scale structure of the universe. His interdisciplinary approach integrates observational campaigns, theoretical physics, and computational modeling, reinforcing his role as a dynamic and forward-thinking researcher in astrophysics.
🧠Research Skills
Dr. Saad Abd-Elkader Ata possesses a comprehensive suite of research skills that span observational astronomy, theoretical analysis, and computational modeling. He is proficient in software such as XSPEC and Xselect, which are essential tools for analyzing X-ray astronomical data. His programming skills include Fortran, Python, and LaTeX, while his computational experience extends to operating systems like Linux (Ubuntu) and Microsoft Windows. He is also skilled in machine learning techniques, clustering analysis, and data visualization—critical for extracting meaningful patterns from large datasets. Additional software expertise includes TOPCAT for catalog handling, Binary Maker, WD program, and Phoebe program for modeling binary stars and eclipsing systems. These tools are especially relevant for his work on blazars and AGNs. His research projects have involved optical microvariability studies, coordinated observations with international partners, and field missions for telescope site selection. Dr. Ata’s strong communication skills and ability to work independently or within research teams enhance his effectiveness as a collaborative scientist. His critical thinking, creativity, and adaptability under pressure further solidify his capabilities as a high-performing astrophysicist, making him well-equipped to tackle complex astrophysical questions in both academic and observational settings.
🏆Awards and Honors
Throughout his academic and professional career, Dr. Saad Abd-Elkader Ata has been actively engaged in several national and regional initiatives that reflect his dedication to the advancement of astrophysics in Egypt and the Middle East. While formal individual awards have not been explicitly listed, his participation in highly competitive workshops, conferences, and international schools highlights the recognition he has received within the scientific community. He has attended prestigious training programs such as the 40th International School for Young Astronomers (ISYA) and the series of Advanced ArAS Schools for Astrophysics, held at the Kottamia Astronomical Observatory. His consistent involvement in the Arab Conference on Astronomy and Geophysics (ACAG) and the IAU Regional Meeting MEARIM 2023 demonstrates his commitment to staying at the forefront of astrophysical research in the region. Additionally, his appointment as a member of the scientific board of KAO and his contributions to the planning of Egypt’s new 6.5-meter telescope project attest to the trust placed in his expertise. These cumulative experiences and recognitions serve as significant markers of his growing reputation and leadership within the astrophysical research community in the Arab world.
📈Author Metrics
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Total Citations: 23
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h-index: 3
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i10-index: 0
These metrics reflect Dr. Ata’s contributions to the field of astrophysics, particularly in high-energy astrophysics and observational studies of active galactic nuclei (AGN), blazars, and transient phenomena. The h-index of 3 indicates that at least three of his publications have received three or more citations each. While the i10-index is currently 0, his citation record continues to grow with ongoing research and publications in international journals.
📌Publications Top Notes
1. Multi-band Analyses of the Bright GRB 230812B and the Associated SN2023pel
Authors: T. Hussenot-Desenonges; T. Wouters; N. Guessoum; I. Abdi; A. Abulwfa; C. Adami; J. F. Agüí Fernández; T. Ahumada; V. Aivazyan; D. Akl et, S. Ata, et al.
Journal: Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Year: 2023
Citations: 8
2. Frequency and Photometric Analysis of the Short Period Pulsating Star YZ Boo
Authors: M. Abdel-Sabour, M.I. Nouh, S. Ata, M. Darwish
Journal: NRIAG Journal of Astronomy and Geophysics, Vol. 10(1), pp. 416–422
Year: 2021
Citations: 6
3. X-ray Flux and Spectral Variability of BL Lacertae Objects Mrk 421, Mrk 501, and 1ES 1426+428 with Suzaku Satellite
Authors: A. Ata. Saad, M.A. Nasser, M.A. Ahmed, M.M. Beheary
Journal: Revista Mexicana de Astronomía y Astrofísica, Vol. 57(1), pp. 133–145
Year: 2021
Citations: 4
4. Photometric and Spectroscopic Analysis of the SX Phe Star BL Cam
Authors: M. Abdel-Sabour, M.I. Nouh, A. Shokry, G.M. Hamed, H.A. Ismail, A. Takey, S. Ata, et al.
Journal: Astrophysics, Vol. 65(4), pp. 456–469
Year: 2022
Citations: 3
5. GRANDMA Observations of SN 2023wrk, a Luminous Type Ia Supernova with Significant Unburned Carbon in the Outer Ejecta
Authors: C. Andrade, P.A. Duverne, J. Liu, F. Navarete, A.E. Abdelaziz, M. Abdelkareem, S. Ata, et al.
Journal: Research Notes of the AAS, Vol. 8(10), Article 273
Year: 2024
Citations: 1
🧾Conclusion
Dr. Saad Abd-Elkader Ata exemplifies the profile of a dedicated and ambitious astrophysicist who is deeply invested in unraveling the energetic mysteries of the universe. With a strong educational background from Al-Azhar University and extensive hands-on experience at NRIAG and the Kottamia Astronomical Observatory, he bridges the gap between theoretical astrophysics and observational science. His research on Active Galactic Nuclei, particularly blazars, places him at the cutting edge of high-energy astrophysics, with implications for understanding black holes, galaxy evolution, and cosmic phenomena. His broad skill set—from software and programming expertise to observational techniques—enables him to contribute meaningfully to both local and international scientific initiatives. Dr. Ata’s participation in advanced training schools, international collaborations, and major astronomical infrastructure projects highlights his role as a rising leader in the Egyptian and Arab astronomical community. Looking forward, his continued work in AGN variability and high-energy emissions is expected to provide valuable insights into some of the universe’s most compelling questions. Dr. Ata represents a new generation of astrophysicists contributing not only to scientific discovery but also to the development of astronomy and space science in Egypt and beyond.