By the onset of the historical Dynastic Period in the 3rd millennium BCE, the ancient Egyptians had already developed a 365-day calendar and recognized the crucial role of Star observations in determining the annual flooding of the Nile. The precise alignment of the pyramids towards the pole star showcases their remarkable astronomical acumen, while the temple of Amun-Re at Karnak was intentionally oriented to align with the rising of the midwinter Sun.

Astronomy played a central role in various aspects of Egyptian life. It contributed to the determination of religious festival dates, helped establish the hours of the night, and provided temple astrologers with insights into celestial conjunctions, risings of the Sun, Moon, and planets, as well as lunar phases.

During the Ptolemaic period, Egyptian astronomical traditions merged with Greek and Babylonian influences, with Alexandria becoming a hub of scientific activity within the Hellenistic world. It was during this era that the renowned astronomer Ptolemy emerged. Ptolemy's works, including the influential Almagest, became a cornerstone of Western astronomy. With the advent of Islamic rule, Arabic culture and Islamic astronomy took precedence in the region.

Prominent astronomers such as Ibn Yunus and Ali Ibn Ridwan continued to advance the field. Ibn Yunus made long-term observations of the Sun's position, while his insights on eclipses remained relevant for centuries. Ali ibn Ridwan meticulously described the supernova SN 1006, the brightest recorded stellar event in history, providing a comprehensive account of its celestial spectacle. In the 14th century, Najm al-Din al-Misri documented over 100 scientific and astronomical instruments, many of which he invented himself, showcasing the continued ingenuity of Egyptian astronomers.

Ancient Egyptian astronomy traces its roots to prehistoric times, as evidenced by the stone circles at Nabta Playa. These celestial observatories, dating back to the 5th millennium BCE, highlight the integral role astronomy played in the religious practices of ancient Egypt, even in the prehistoric era. The development of the 365-day calendar further emphasizes their commitment to understanding the cosmos.

The precision exhibited in aligning the pyramids with the pole star demonstrates the Egyptians' technical prowess in observing the heavens. Additionally, the orientation of the temple of Amun-Re, taking into account the change in the obliquity of the ecliptic, reveals their astute understanding of celestial phenomena. The rising of Sirius, known as Sopdet in Egyptian and Sothis in Greek, marked a crucial point in the yearly calendar, signaling the beginning of the Nile's inundation.

The significance of astronomy extended to religious matters, and temple books recorded the movements and phases of celestial bodies. The Pyramid Texts, for example, described the ascent of deceased kings to become stars among the Imperishable Stars. The interplay between the death of a king and their celestial transformation underscores the deep connection Ancient Egyptians perceived between mortal existence and the stars.

During the First Intermediate Period, diagonal star tables, also known as star clocks, gained prominence. Painted on wooden coffin lids and often found in tombs, these star charts depicted Egyptian deities, decans, constellations, and star observations. They provided a means of determining the hours of the night, with fixed stars culminating in each hour, guiding the passage of time.

The merging of Greek, Babylonian, and Egyptian astronomical traditions under Ptolemaic rule ushered in a new era of scientific inquiry. Alexandria became a beacon of intellectual activity, producing celebrated astronomers such as Eratosthenes, who calculated the size of the Earth, and Ptolemy, whose works revolutionized astronomical predictions with concepts like the equant.

The enduring influence of Ptolemaic astronomy can be traced through the commentaries of scholars like Pappus of Alexandria and Hypatia. Ptolemy's Almagest, with its mathematical explanations and predictions of planetary behavior, left an indelible mark on Western astronomy for centuries to come.

Ancient Egyptian astronomy, blending scientific observation with religious significance, weaved a captivating tapestry of celestial knowledge. Its impact reverberated through the ages, shaping the course of scientific discovery and inspiring generations to unravel the mysteries of the cosmos.