A week has passed since the solar eclipse occurred in different regions of the world where it was visible as a partial solar eclipse in Egypt, northern and southern Africa, Europe but it was total in Northern Norway. Egyptians viewed the event differently and in their own way. There was an event held in the first time in the Pyramids area in front of the Sphinx to witness the phenomenon. It was part of Cairo Science Festival sponsored by the Ministry of Antiquities. Interestingly, University and school students were eager to participate in the event, explain to the public how this phenomenon happens and provide special glasses to them ensuring the safety of their eyes. Such event was a great experiential learning opportunity for the students in which they witnessed what they are taught and learnt at schools and universities but with their own eyes.

The event was incredibly covered by the local Press and the media. Many TV stations aired it live so that who could not make it would also have the opportunity to witness it. According to Al Ahram newspaper, the culture advisor of the Italian Embassy in Cairo Franko Foor Chiley and the supervisor of the Ministry of Antiquities in the Pyramids area Waheed Kamal participated in that event to celebrate that day and to encourage tourism. “It is the first time we observe the Solar Eclipse in the Pyramids area in an official celebration sponsored by the Ministry of Antiquities and the Ministry of Tourism.”, said Alaa Ibrahim, associate professor of Space Astrophysics at the American University in Cairo. Not only did the national media but the international ones covered it. The Chicago tribune published a photo from EPA (European Press photo Agency) of students who gathered in the Pyramids wearing special glasses while looking at the partial solar eclipse. Reuters also shared some pictures around the Giza Pyramids of the Egyptian students and families. Under the title “How the World viewed the Solar Eclipse”, Spy Ghana News posted photos of the participants who were watching the partial Solar Eclipse. “Millions enjoy the best eclipse in years”, an article in Euro news casted the light on the crowds that gathered at the Pyramids to watch the eclipse amongst one of the world’s largest architecture. “The site had special resonances with the eclipse as the sun was a God in ancient Egyptian culture.”, said Alaa Ibrahim.

Nevertheless, this eclipse was part of the trifecta of the celestial events. That Friday coincided with March Equinox, the time of the year when night and day are of equal length, and super moon, the moment the moon orbits at its closest to the Earth, and that trifecta would not happen again until 2034. The media left a positive impact towards the event and much attention was given to it. What is needed nowadays is enriching people’s minds and encouraging them to witness such wonderful phenomena that demonstrate the Might and the knowledge of Allah the Great.