World- renowned Egyptologist, Dr. Zahi Hawass, headlined the 2022 Festival of Science. The W. L. Gore & Associates Keynote presentation featuring Dr. Hawass took place at 7 p.m., Friday, Sept. 23, in Northern Arizona University’s Ardrey Auditorium.

Egypt reported its largest discovery in more than a century in 2020, as 30 wooden coffins with exceptionally-preserved mummies inside were found in the Valley of the Gods, hidden there for 3,000 years. “The coffins were sealed and stacked on top of each other about three feet below the sand,” said Dr. Hawass. “They are adorned with intricate carvings and designs, including Egyptian deities, hieroglyphics and scenes from the Book of the Dead, a series of spells that enabled the soul to navigate the afterlife.”

Dr. Hawass says the finding of the coffins is especially unique because the painted inscriptions are still vivid. “The discovery reveals important details about ancient Egyptian burial rights, including the high respect held for the dead and meticulous care of the deceased.” As an archaeologist deeply concerned about the conservation and protection of Egypt’s monuments, he supervised major conservation projects for the Great Sphinx, and the Serapeum and Step Pyramid at Saqqara. He has developed site management plans for a number of important areas, including the Unfinished Obelisk Quarry in Aswan, the temples of Kom Ombo, Edfu, and Dendera, the West Bank of Luxor, Giza, and Saqqara. He has also initiated the construction of nineteen new museums throughout Egypt, including the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) and the National Egyptian Museum of Civilization (NEMC).

In 2021, Dr. Hawass led a team of Egyptologists in a ground-breaking discovery. Uncovering a large ancient city built more than 3,400 years ago during the opulent reign of Amenhotep III, the find revealed incredible information about one of Egypt’s wealthiest and powerful pharaohs, who was also the grandfather of Tutankhamun. This remarkable discovery included huge amounts of artifacts representing a time where Egypt was at its wealthiest. Researchers found that the city and construction were dedicated to the God Aten. 

Dr. Hawass’ dynamic personality and extensive knowledge have sparked global interest in ancient Egypt. He has brought the world of the pharaohs into the homes and hearts of people all over the world through his numerous television appearances and books for general audiences. 

On September 24th, the annual Science in the Park took place at Wheeler Park in downtown Flagstaff. Visitors were welcomed to make figurines with clay, play catch with a robot and learn about building model railroads.

Attendees also enjoyed a stunning performance from Momentum Aerial demonstrating how physical and biomechanical principles keep aerialists in the air and the audience on their toes!

The fun was endless at our popular family science fair, where YOU are the scientist for the day!