An overnight trip by IEEE EUI Student Branch & Faculty of Engineering to the home of the largest telescope in the Arab world, the Middle East, and North Africa.
The largest telescope in the Arab world, the Middle East, and North Africa
Kottamia Astronomical Observatory is home to the largest telescope in the Arab world, Middle East, and North Africa. A large number of scientists and researchers in the field of physics and astronomy use this telescope. It is unique in terms of its location and capabilities.
Approximately 80 km from Cairo center, on Ain El Sokhna Road, 450 meters above sea level
1964, as an extension of Helwan Observatory (established 1903) - one of the oldest research institutes in Egypt
Kottamia Observatory is regarded as a small scientific city, housing state-of-the-art astronomical research equipment and facilities.
One of Kottamia Observatory's most important achievements was its participation in observations of the lunar surface to help choose human landing sites on the moon in the late 1960s.
Over the last twenty years, the telescope has been developed and upgraded to match other world-class telescopes:
Location: EUI Campus
Time: 4:00 PM (after classes)
Date: Thursday, 25 May 2023
Time: 5:00 AM
Date: Friday, 26 May 2023
Drop-off: Multiple locations in Cairo
WRMH+J3PØ Ø·Ø±Ù٠اÙ٠رصد اÙÙÙÙÙ, Cairo Governorate Desert, Cairo Governorate 4830301
Distance: ~80 km from Cairo center (Ain El Sokhna Road)
150 EGP
Includes overnight stay and transportation
Registration opened: 11 May 2023, 2:00 PM EEST
Registration closed: 12 May 2023, 12:00 AM EEST
Admission: No additional charges beyond the overnight fee
Observed celestial objects through one of the largest telescopes in the region under clear night skies.
Learned about astronomical research, telescope operations, and space observation techniques.
Explored a research institute with over 60 years of astronomical achievements and modern upgrades.
Bonded with fellow students over shared interest in astronomy and space science during an overnight trip.
Our photographer Seif Wafik, an IEEE EUI SB member and student at the Faculty of Computing and Information Sciences, captured the memorable moments from this trip.
Event photos were shared across our social media platforms and uploaded to our gallery.
This trip was featured on our social media channels with photos and highlights:
Thank you to all participants who joined us on this incredible overnight trip to Kottamia Astronomical Observatory on 25-26 May 2023. The trip provided a unique opportunity to experience world-class astronomical research facilities and explore the wonders of the night sky.
Special thanks to the Faculty of Engineering and the National Research Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics (NRIAG) for making this educational trip possible. Stay tuned for more exciting field trips and academic excursions!
