Egypt: Visitors watch sun align with ancient Luxor temple on winter solstice
## Winter Solstice Alignment at Karnak Temple
Winter Solstice Alignment at Karnak Temple
On Sun, Dec 21, 2024, visitors in Luxor, Egypt, observed the sunrise aligning with the axis of the Temple of Amun-Re at Karnak. This annual event marks the winter solstice, where the first sunlight pierces through the temple's structure.
The Karnak complex, over 2,000 years old, features temples dedicated to ancient Egyptian deities such as Amun Re, Ptah, and Osiris. The alignment of the sun's rays with the temple on the winter solstice signifies the start of the ancient Egyptian planting season.
The site is renowned for its architectural elements, including temples, pillars, and columns reminiscent of the Egyptian lotus flower. This design has drawn interest from archaeologists and Egyptologists over the centuries.
On Sun, Dec 21, 2024, visitors in Luxor, Egypt, observed the sunrise aligning with the axis of the Temple of Amun-Re at Karnak.
Luxor is situated approximately 650 kilometers south of Cairo, along the Nile River. It houses several significant ancient temples and pharaonic tombs, such as those of King Tutankhamun.
Based on reporting by Africanews.
