Hail – Saudi Arabia to participate in an international conference on the discovery of the oldest and first physical astronomical observatory in history

By Dr. Qusay

Regarding the conference: It was held on 5th August 2024, which is the day that coincides with the sun’s disk entering the observatory’s aperture at 5:20 p.m.

This conference was held in the Hail region in the northwest of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, under the patronage of the region’s government and the supervision of Prince Abdulaziz bin Saad Al Saud.

Research papers were presented at the conference from Hail University and other Saudi and Arab universities, and I personally participated in it with a paper on the relationship between the observatory and the history of astronomical observatories in Mesopotamia.

The conference was attended by those interested in astronomy and astronomical observation.

This month represents the sign of Leo, as the stars of the sign appear on the same night directly above the observatory aperture. The numerical value of the sun in ancient Eastern civilizations, especially the Mesopotamian civilization, is the number 20.

The international conference in HailSaudi Arabia allowed participants in the discovery of the oldest and first physical astronomical observatory in history. TV channels in the East during this period were busy talking about the phenomenon.

List of international researchers who participated in the conference and confirmed the announcement of the first historical astronomical observatory in the world that is still operating and monitoring the movement of the sun.

https://www.hail.gov.sa/en/Pages/default.aspx

The mountain of Mashar one of the Aja mountains in Hail region Northern KSA

Pictures of observing the sun in the oldest physical astronomical observatory in the world discovered in the city of Hail in KSA

This is a study published a few days ago in a scientific journal issued in Spain.

Arabic Renewal Journal

Mashar Historical Observatory Discoverer in Haʼil

KSA in 1443H / 2022

Mr. Mishari Abdulaziz Alnashmi

Researcher in history and ancient astronomy observatory

https://journals.arabicrenewal.org/index.php/arig/article/view/224/166

Abstract:

Astronomical observatories are one of the most significant pieces of

evidence  of  creativity  of  ancient  civilizations,  through  which  they  linked  their

worship,  rituals,  and  their  life  activities  with  their  knowledge  of  following

up the celestial bodies. 

Many archaeological sites dating back to ancient times are scattered throughout the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In this report, we present our finding  of  10 year  consecutive  observations  that  led  to  the  discovery  of  a  potential  observatory in  the  Agaa  Mountains in city of Haʼil region. It is known locally and internationally as the Mashar Astronomical Observatory

Keywords: astronomy,  observatory,  the  Arabian  Peninsula,  the  Kingdom  of

Saudi Arabia, the Aja Mountains, city of

Haʼil.

Summary

We have tried to find explanations in historical books and available references  to  link  our  findings  from  these  observations  to  believe  of  the civilization that  occupied  and  built  this  structure.

From some of the  history books,  available  and  some  of  our  interviews  with  experts  in  the  history  of astronomy, we  realized  that  August  5th  was  the  first  day  of  the  year  of  the Egyptian civilization. We also realize that the Babylonians used the number 20 to symbolize the sun, which tells us the height of the observatory opening, and that August   was   the   month   of   the Lion.   There   is   no   doubt   that   these observations and signs are not accidental, but astronomical knowledge based on astronomical calculations of the civilizations inhabiting the region.  We believe that through further observations and continued tracking of the celestial objects passing  through  the  observatory,  as  well  as  by  consulting  historical  books,  we  will  further  discover  the  mysteries  of  the  observatory  and  the  civilizations  that inhabited the region.

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Hail+Saudi+Arabia/@27.5258717,41.6748334,11z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x157646e696d0faa3:0xa823a286278a8880!8m2!3d27.5114102!4d41.7208243!16zL20vMDdnMXRn?entry=ttu

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