4,000 Tourists Witness the Sun's Perpendicularity on the Face of King Ramses II in Aswan

A Unique Astronomical Phenomenon

4,000 Tourists Witness the Sun's Perpendicularity on the Face of King Ramses II in Aswan

This morning, the Abu Simbel Temple in Aswan, southern Egypt, witnessed the sun's rays falling directly on the face of King Ramses II. This unique astronomical phenomenon attracts thousands of tourists from around the world to witness the event, which occurs twice a year.

The spectacle began with the first rays of dawn, as the sun's rays penetrated the 60-meter-long temple corridor, illuminating the face of King Ramses II and the Holy of Holies, which includes four statues. The spectacle began at 6:49 a.m. local time on Wednesday and lasted for 20 minutes. Approximately 4,000 tourists were amazed by this moment, which embodies the greatness and precision of the ancient Egyptians, predating all time. The spectacle was filled with festive music and Nubian dances.

The Holy of Holies at the Abu Simbel Temple in Aswan Governorate houses four statues of two deities: Ptah, the god of the underworld and the god of Memphis; King Ramses II; Amun-Ra, the chief god of the state at the time; and Ra-Hor, the god of Heliopolis. 

The sun's rays are perpendicular to all the statues except Ptah, the god of the underworld, due to the ancient Egyptians' belief that the sun rises only on the world of the living and does not set on the afterlife.

Tourists were keen to be at the temple hours before the phenomenon to capture the moment the sun falls on the king's face, amidst an atmosphere of joy and celebration. The governorate had made advance security arrangements and preparations for the celebration. The General Authority for Cultural Palaces organized the Alignment Festival from October 17 to 22, which took place across all open cultural sites with the participation of eight Egyptian folklore troupes.

It is worth noting that the sun's rays are unique, dating back more than 33 centuries. This phenomenon embodies the scientific progress achieved by the ancient Egyptians, particularly in astronomy, sculpture, planning, and engineering. 

The phenomenon occurs twice a year, once on October 22nd and once on February 22nd, which are believed to be the dates of the birth and inauguration of King Ramses II. The phenomenon occurs when the sun's rays fall perpendicularly on the statue of the king and the statues of the gods, penetrating the golden rays of the sun into the halls of the temple within the Holy of Holies.