Amro Mahmoud Fathi Attia, an Egyptian astronomer, has set up his powerful telescope at Souq Waqif’s Eastern Square in Doha, Qatar, offering visitors a live view of the moon. For over eight years, Attia has enchanted countless sky-watchers with views of the moon and planets through his Meade LX10 EMC 8-inch telescope for just QR10. Visitors have expressed their excitement at seeing the moon up close, with some describing it as an unforgettable experience where they felt like they could reach out and touch the moon.
Attia’s passion for astronomy began early, and he built his first telescope in ninth grade. He further deepened his astronomical knowledge by taking courses in optics and visiting the Helwan Observatory on a school field trip. Attia’s telescope can also monitor celestial objects and deep-space nebulae, making it a versatile tool for sky observation. He enjoys seeing children’s happiness after they view the moon through his telescope, sharing one funny incident where a child believed he could go to the moon through the lens.
Aisha, a tourist from Tunisia, expressed her excitement at seeing the moon so clearly for the first time through Attia’s telescope. Local resident Ramon also shared his amazement at the craters and details on the moon’s surface, mentioning that his kids loved the experience as well. Attia mentioned that the moon can be observed year-round on clear nights, while some planets like Saturn, Mars, and Jupiter can be observed at specific times during certain months. He cautions against direct viewing of the sun without protective filters to prevent eye and equipment damage.
Attia’s telescope has become a major attraction at Souq Waqif, drawing in numerous residents and tourists eager to glimpse the moon and planets up close. His goal is to inspire the next generation of astronomers and give people an opportunity to see the moon live through his telescope. Attia expressed his gratitude to the Souq Waqif management for allowing him to set up his equipment, emphasizing the joy he feels when visitors tell him that he has fulfilled a dream they’ve always had. On cloudy nights, Attia considers it a forced vacation as he cannot imagine living a normal life without observing the sky.
If you happen to find yourself at Souq Waqif on a clear night, don’t miss the chance to explore the moon and learn more about it through Attia’s powerful telescope and expert guidance. Attia’s dedication to bringing the wonders of the universe closer to people through his telescope is truly admirable, and his passion for astronomy shines through in his interactions with visitors. The experience of seeing the moon up close through Attia’s telescope leaves a lasting impression on all who have the opportunity to peer through the lens and discover the beauty and intricacies of our nearest celestial neighbor.
