Expert:Biyearly sun alignment on Ramses II marks great ancient history

Tourism expert Dr. Alaa Khalifa shed light on a very important and unique phenomenon which happens only twice a year i.e

Tourism expert Dr. Alaa Khalifa shed light on a very important and unique phenomenon which happens only twice a year i.e. the rays of the morning sun illuminating the statue of King Ramses II. That shows the great Egyptian civilization and how advanced they were in various sciences such as: engineering, sculpturing and photography, he declared.

Over the phone to (Cairo Local Time), he explained that the shining sun phenomenon penetrating the temple of Abu Simbel has always been a miracle to the whole world that makes people standstill wondering how the ancient Egyptians had reached such scientific progress, especially in mathematics and astronomy to the extent that they make constructions based on specific days of the year.

He elaborated that the biannual sun alignment takes place twice a year, on October 22 which marks the king’s birthday and on February 22 to celebrate his coronation. The rays go sixty meters deep into the temple illuminating the dark sanctuary, he stated.

Dr. Khalifa said that the work in the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) has been completed by 97%. The museum's total land area is around 490,000 sqm. and it includes the complete King Tut Ankh Amun’s collection. 

He added that the whole world is anticipating the inauguration of the GEM as it is the largest museum in the world and will be a landmark attracting millions of visitors. It hosts more than 100,000 artifacts, he concluded.

(Cairo Local Time) is aired from Saturday to Thursday. This episode is presented by  Engy Maher.