Luxor Marks Solar Alignment Phenomenon at Karnak Temple (Photos)

The city of Luxor witnessed the solar alignment phenomenon on the Holy of Holies shrine at Karnak Temple on December 21.

It is a phenomenon that takes place annually on December 21 to mark the start of the winter solstice.

In his remarks, Mostafa El-Waziri, Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, said: “A large number of tourists and Egyptians have flocked to the Karnak temple since the early hours of this morning to observe this unique phenomenon.”

He revealed that the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, represented by the Supreme Council of Antiquities, organized a large event to celebrate this phenomenon in cooperation with Luxor Governorate, and in coordination with the Ministry of Interior and the Misr Sound and Light Company, in the presence of many leaders of the concerned authorities in Luxor, in a bid to promote the Egyptian tourist destination.

On his part, Dr. Mostafa El-Saghir, Director General of Karnak Antiquities, said that the event featured the performance of sound and light.

He also explained that the phenomenon begins with the sun infiltrating through the eastern gate of the temple, casting its rays on the main axis of the temple and entering the Holy of Holies, which was the location of the statue of the deity Amun.

He added: “The sun rays illuminate the Holy of Holies for several minutes before they are spread inside the holy places at midday.”