What Makes Hail's Mashar Observatory One of the Oldest Astronomical Landmarks in the World?

The Mashar Astronomical Observatory, located in the Aja Mountains of Wadi Mashar just a few kilometers north of Hail city center, stands as one of the region's most prominent archaeological and astronomical landmarks. Estimated to be over 3,500 years old, it is recognized as one of the oldest observatories in both the Kingdom and the world.

 According to Mishari Al-Nashmi, a researcher in ancient astronomy and head of the Mashar Astronomical Observatory Club, Mashar serves as the first stellar-solar calendar observatory linked to the dawn appearance of the star Sirius to mark the beginning of the year, echoing practices found in several ancient civilizations.

 This ancient architectural precision is highlighted annually on August 5, when morning sunlight enters the observatory's aperture, aligning with the dawn rising of Sirius. In the evening, at precisely 5:25 PM, sunlight again filters through the same aperture with remarkable precision. This unique astronomical phenomenon repeats in the opposite direction on May 5, showcasing the sophisticated design and deep astronomical knowledge of ancient humans.