According to officials in the field of astronomy and antiquities who spoke to “Sky News Arabia”, the event, in addition to its value in promoting tourism, is a prelude to a fruitful coordination between the Astronomical Institute and the Ministry of Antiquities, which contributes to the interpretation of the Egyptian civilization’s understanding of astronomy.
A solar eclipse occurs because the moon passes between the sun and the Earth, and covers the sun’s disk by about 45 percent, amid assurances that the event will be used to promote the tourism governorate, which is also preparing to monitor the total solar eclipse from inside it in August 2027.
Hundreds of Egyptians and tourists participated in following up the process of observing the eclipse in the temple square, in a rare atmosphere that combined the fun of astronomical observation and the historical atmosphere.
message to the world
Dr. Magda Moheb, a researcher at the National Institute for Astronomical Research, explained the selection of the Karnak temples on the basis that they are the largest temples in Luxor, and from there the institute sends a strong message to the world emphasizing the interest of Egyptians now in astronomical culture like their ancient ancestors.
She also added another reason, which is to attract attention and follow-up; To increase astronomical awareness of the most prominent events, and to link archaeological discoveries with astronomical culture, in addition to promoting tourism.
She pointed out that Egypt will not witness any other total or partial eclipse except in 2027, when Luxor will witness the longest dimming period in the total solar eclipse.
This was confirmed by Dr. Gad Al-Qadi, head of the Astronomical and Geophysical Research Institute, saying that the total eclipse at that time will be its shortest center, and this phenomenon will be exploited to promote tourism.
While calling for everyone’s attention to these phenomena, he warned in television statements against looking at the sun’s disk directly with the naked eye during the time of the eclipse; To preserve the integrity of the eye and retina.
promising format
Dr. Mustafa Al-Saghir, Director General of the Karnak Temples, explains that observing the solar eclipse from inside the Karnak temples is the beginning of great coordination between the National Institute for Astronomical Research and the Ministry of Antiquities in scientific research. Which is beneficial to the fields of astronomy and archeology.
It is also expected that major events will be held in Karnak temples in the coming periods. In confirmation of its ancient status, according to the director of the temples, Tayeb Gharib.
The Karnak temples are a large group of temples in one place, especially the Egyptian deities, especially Amun-Ra. They were built over a period of more than 2500 years, and construction in them did not stop except with the announcement of Christianity as the official religion of the country at the time of the Roman occupation, and the decision to close the temples.
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