Kottamia Astronomical Observatory
Satellite imagery: Esri, Maxar, Earthstar Geographics
East of Cairo, Kottamia Astronomical Observatory holds the largest telescope anywhere in the Arab world.
About Kottamia Astronomical Observatory
Kottamia Astronomical Observatory is home to the largest telescope in the Arab world, including the wider Middle East and North Africa, with a main mirror 1.88 metres across. It is operated by the National Research Institute of Astronomy & Geophysics (NRIAG) of Egypt through its Astronomy Department.
Location & getting there
The observatory sits about 80 km from central Cairo, at an elevation of roughly 482 metres, in the Egyptian desert away from the light pollution of the capital.
Visiting Kottamia Astronomical Observatory
For current information on tours, opening hours, or research visits, check NRIAG's official website before travelling, as access to a working national research telescope can vary.
See your named star from here
With the Arab world's largest telescope, Kottamia Astronomical Observatory is built to resolve fine detail across the night sky, the same precision needed to find a single named star among thousands. Name a star with Star Register and browse the catalogue to see its coordinates.
Opening hours and public-visit programs vary by season. Check the official website and Google Maps for current times before you travel.
