The sun is directly over the Karnak Temples on the autumnal equinox

The sun's rays fall directly on the Karnak Temple

The sun is directly over the Karnak Temples on the autumnal equinox

The sun's rays began gradually falling over the ancient Karnak Temples in the historic city of Luxor in Upper Egypt on Monday, marking the autumnal equinox. The sun's rays are expected to penetrate the sacred chambers of the Temple of King Ramses III and the Temple of Ptah at its peak during the afternoon.

Ayman Abu Zeid, head of the Egyptian Association for Tourism and Archaeological Development, pointed out that the sun is directly over the Karnak Temples at a precise angle that coincides with the beginning of autumn. He emphasized the astronomical importance of the Karnak Temple Complex and its direct connection to the cycle of celestial bodies, reflecting the ancients' ingenuity in linking architecture to natural and astronomical phenomena.

Abu Zeid added that ancient Thebes, now known as Luxor, was one of the first cities to focus on astronomy, as the ancients built several observatories to monitor the movements of stars and planets and link them to religious and worldly events.

 This alignment is part of a series of astronomical phenomena documented by Egyptian researchers at the Karnak Temple, the Temple of Habu, Deir el-Bahari, and the Temple of Isis (known as Deir Shelwit). Some of these phenomena are linked to the beginnings of seasons and religious holidays celebrated by ancient Egyptians.