The 2026 Science Festival, organized by the Scientific Planetarium Center at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, kicked off on September 26 and will run until September 28. The event, held under the theme "Start Your Journey of Discovery.. The Universe is Closer Than You Think," has transformed the library's "Plaza of Civilizations" into an open space for scientific discovery. The festival features a variety of scientific experiments, presentations, and theatrical performances aimed at presenting topics related to space and the universe in an approachable way.
The first day of the festival included a range of activities, such as "The Wonders of Science" presentation, geared towards different age groups, as part of the "Science Village" program. Another highlight was the scientific presentation "Kalila and Damna and the Moon." Additionally, the black theater presentation "The Universe is Closer Than You Think!" took the audience on a journey that combined visual display and concepts related to the universe and space.
The festival program also included "Podcast: Stars in the Sky" at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina's Museum of Antiquities, allowing participants to continue their journey between scientific knowledge and artistic presentation. This program aims to simplify science and make it accessible to different age groups. The activities of the festival revolve around space and the universe, including learning about planets, stars, moons, lunar phases, and planetary characteristics.
The festival also explores topics such as cosmology, astrobiology, and the search for possibilities of life outside Earth. It raises questions about the future and the potential for some science fiction ideas to become reality. The festival offers exploratory experiences, including virtual travel through space from Earth to Mars and discovering the secrets of the stars.
The events also delve into the relationship between humans and the sky throughout history, highlighting how ancient Egyptians benefited from observing the stars in agriculture and organizing their lives. The festival showcases the achievements of astronomers and the journey of astronauts, demonstrating how space exploration has expanded human understanding of Earth and the universe.
The 2026 Science Festival targets children, students at various educational stages, university students, and people with disabilities, through a range of activities that seek to present science outside its traditional framework. The goal is to turn science into an experience based on observation, experimentation, and questioning.
The festival is organized by the Scientific Planetarium Center, which is part of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina's Cultural Communication Sector. The center aims to promote scientific awareness and make science accessible to a broad audience. By hosting such events, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina continues to play a significant role in promoting culture, science, and education in Egypt.
Key points
- The 2026 Science Festival at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina features a range of scientific and artistic activities aimed at making science accessible to different age groups.
- The festival explores topics such as space, the universe, cosmology, and astrobiology, and offers exploratory experiences like virtual space travel.
- The event targets children, students, university students, and people with disabilities, with the goal of promoting scientific awareness and making science an engaging experience.
