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Egypt prepares for solar alignment in Abu Simbel temple amid coronavirus

The major solar phenomenon of the sun passing over the statue of Ramses II at the Temple of Abu Simbel in Egypt’s Aswan is overshadowed this year by the coronavirus pandemic.
A picture taken in 2002 shows tourists casting their shadows as a ray of light illuminates the statue of Ramses II inside the temple of Abu Simbel, south of Aswan, in upper Egypt. More than 2500 tourists witnessed 22 October 2007 the sun illuminating the inner sanctuary, which happens only twice a year with a wide belief among archaeologists that the two days mark Ramsis II's birthday and day of coronation. AFP PHOTO/KHALED DESOUKI (Photo credit should read KHALED DESOUKI/AFP via Getty Images)

CAIRO — The solar alignment where the sun illuminates the face of the statue of Ramses II is considered a major event in Pharaonic history and holds many secrets of the pharaohs.

This phenomenon occurs twice a year in the Temple of Abu Simbel in the city of Aswan in Upper Egypt, a scene that attracts the world’s attention.

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