Egypt- Egypt’s National Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics (NRIAG) has reacted to the controversial statements made by renowned artist Mohamed Sobhi, whose comments have gone viral on social media after he asserted that the Earth “is not spherical.”
“Studies have shown that the Earth is not spherical,” Sobhi stated during the “Nazra” show aired on Egypt’s “Sada El Balad” satellite channel last Thursday, as he posed a surprised reporter: “Can you imagine what we are doing here?”
“They claim there are regions inhabited other than the North and South Poles that are not the edges of the Earth,” the Egyptian artist continued, emphasizing, “There are no lands that we are unaware of, and we cannot reach them.”
“I won’t delve into the subject of Antarctica because that requires an entire episode,” Sobhi replied when asked about Antarctica, hinting at unnamed climate threats in the coming months.
In light of the controversy sparked by Sobhi’s remarks on digital platforms in the country, the Observatory under the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research has urged the media and the artistic community to be cautious and refrain from spreading what it termed “conspiracy theories.”
The National Astronomical Institute, one of the oldest institutions and research centers in the Arab region and the Middle East, also instructed against publishing “pseudoscientific information or science not founded on research.”
In a blog post shared on his account on the “X” platform, he added that the journey from Greek astronomy through Islamic civilization to human space exploration has confirmed one truth: the Earth is not flat.
The National Astronomical Institute confirms that from the Greeks to Islamic civilization until humans reached space, astronomy has established the fact that the Earth is not flat but spherical, like other planets. The community must be cautious not to propagate unfounded conspiracy theories or false science. pic.twitter.com/UUuBi2pahZ
– National Institute of Astronomy – Helwan Observatory (@NRIAG) July 21, 2024
The institute shared a video clip along with a map of ancient Egypt in their widely circulated post, commenting: “In 833, the Muslim scientist Al-Khwarazmi mapped the Nile River and confirmed his predictions about it.” In 1037, the world invented a method for calculating the Earth’s diameter, and in 1154, the scientist Al-Biruni began his geographical encyclopedia explaining the Earth’s spherical shape.
833: Muslim scholar Al-Khwarizmi maps the Nile River and details his predictions about the equator’s location.
1037: Muslim scholar Al-Biruni develops a method to calculate the Earth’s diameter.
1154: Muslim scholar Al-Idrisi begins his geographical encyclopedia by explaining the Earth’s spherical shape. pic.twitter.com/hoQZBZYJ2Z– National Institute of Astronomy – Helwan Observatory (@NRIAG) July 21, 2024
The famous Egyptian artist’s remarks dominated discussions on social media in the last few hours, with the hashtag #Mohamed_Sobhi being one of the most trending topics.
“The revolution in communication sciences, satellites, the internet, and all technology and aeronautical science is based on one fundamental principle: the Earth is spherical,” wrote Mahmoud Ismail, assistant research fellow at the Department of Space Studies, in a blog post. “Even the Internet science that claims the Earth is flat is based on the principle of the Earth’s spherical shape!”
The science of communications, satellites, the Internet, and all technological and aeronautical revolutions is based on one fundamental principle: the Earth is spherical. Even the Internet science you are writing about—the Earth is flat—is reliant on the Earth being spherical. This is shameful!
– Mahmoud Ismail (@MHMU0D) July 21, 2024
One blogger remarked, “Oh, artist, science and knowledge aren’t merely about reading researchers’ speeches; you are a university professor who could easily mock your history and the countries that launch missiles and satellites into space to take images! For us, the Earth, Moon, and some planets are not merely sufficient; they all are spherical!”
According to blogger Mustafa Hussain.
Blogger Hisham Nour commented, “Most of the current actors are clearly uneducated; we rarely encounter anyone with a sound idea or vision on any general subject. Instead, it’s just my character fulfilling the role.” Another added, “It’s not shameful to be uneducated, but it is a mistake to remain uninformed while living the life of an intellectual.”
Honestly, most actors out there seem to be uneducated; we rarely encounter an actor with good ideas or insights on any universal topic; it’s just my persona, fulfilling the role they need. That’s all.
– Hisham Noor (@HishamA04620160) July 21, 2024
Another commenter on the institute’s response noted, “The National Astronomical Institute studied the biographies of the Greeks and Islamic civilizations, yet overlooked the Egyptians, who founded this science and created the first calendar in history. We urge the astronomical community to show enthusiasm for learning about astronomy.”
Meanwhile, blogger Hossam Abdel Nasser tweeted: “I am pleased that state-affiliated scientific institutions are addressing ignorance, myths, and pseudoscience while defending real science. Hopefully, we will have officials with scientific literacy who are eager to promote it in Egypt.”
It is worth mentioning that the National Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics was formerly recognized as the “Helwan Observatory,” established in 1839 as the Royal Observatory in Brak, relocated to the Abbassia area in 1868, and finally settled in its current location in Helwan in 1903.
According to its official introduction, the institute has also been nominated by the United Nations Scientific and Cultural Organization for the World Astronomical Heritage list.
Controversy in Egypt: Artist Mohamed Sobhi and the Shape of the Earth
Egypt’s National Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics (NRIAG) has recently responded to the contentious statements made by renowned Egyptian artist Mohamed Sobhi. His claims, which suggest that the Earth is “not spherical,” have quickly attracted widespread attention on social media.
The Controversial Statement
During a recent appearance on the “Nazra” show, broadcasted on Egypt’s “Sada El Balad” satellite channel, Sobhi asserted, “Studies have proven that the Earth is not spherical.” His statement was met with surprise from the show’s reporter, prompting Sobhi to question, “Imagine what we are doing here?” In his remarks, he suggested that there exist “inhabited areas other than the North and South Poles” and claimed that there were lands beyond our current knowledge and reach.
The Reaction from NRIAG
In light of the controversy, the NRIAG has urged caution among the media and artistic communities. They emphasized the importance of refraining from disseminating what they labeled as “conspiracy theories.” The institute, regarded as one of the oldest astronomical research centers in the Arab world and the Middle East, reminded the public that scientific conclusions must be grounded in research and evidence.
NRIAG’s Statement: “From the Greeks to Islamic civilization and continuing to modern space exploration, it is a well-established fact that the Earth is not flat.”
Historical Context and Scientific Evidence
The NRIAG highlighted numerous historical contributions to our understanding of the Earth’s shape, referencing notable scientists from the Islamic golden age, such as Al-Khwarizmi, Al-Biruni, and Al-Idrisi.
Notable Contributions from Islamic Scholars
| Year | Scientist | Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| 833 | Al-Khwarizmi | Mapped the Nile River and determined the equator’s location. |
| 1037 | Al-Biruni | Developed a method to calculate the Earth’s diameter. |
| 1154 | Al-Idrisi | Authored a geographical encyclopedia explaining the spherical shape of the Earth. |
Public Reaction and Discourse
The reactions on social media have been swift and mixed, with many users taking to platforms like Twitter to express their opinions. A trending hashtag, #Mohamed_Sobhi, emerged as users debated Sobhi’s statements and the responses from scientific bodies.
Mahmoud Ismail, assistant research fellow, emphasized: “The science of communications, satellites, the Internet, and all types of travel revolution rely on the one fundamental principle: the Earth is spherical.”
Criticism from Influencers and Social Comments
Several commenters criticized Sobhi, stressing that “science and knowledge are not just about reading speeches,” but rather about understanding and engaging with empirical evidence. Others pointed to the actor’s lack of educational depth, suggesting that many in the art community are not adequately informed on scientific matters.
Hisham Nour, a social commentator, stated: “Most of the actors out there right now are obviously uneducated.”
The Role of Scientific Education in Egypt
In light of the ongoing debates, the NRIAG issued calls for improved scientific literacy across the nation. They emphasized that the fight against ignorance and pseudoscience must be a collective effort, promoting a culture where scientific understanding is foundational.
Key Information about NRIAG
The National Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics, formerly known as the Helwan Observatory, has a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1839. It has since evolved into a leading center for astronomical research and public education.
Historical Significance of NRIAG
- Founded in 1839 as the Royal Observatory.
- Relocated to Abbassia in 1868, and then to Helwan in 1903.
- Included in UNESCO’s World Astronomical Heritage nomination list.
The Importance of Scientific Discourse
As noted by Hossam Abdel Nasser, a supporter of NRIAG’s stance, it is crucial for state-affiliated scientific institutions to confront ignorance and defend genuine science. This discourse highlights the urgent need for a scientifically informed public and the promotion of critical thinking skills among citizens.
Conclusion
The altercation surrounding Mohamed Sobhi’s remarks serves as a poignant reminder of the intersection between science, art, and public perception. It illustrates the need for a robust mechanism for scientific education and public discourse, where facts are prioritized over unfounded claims.