Solar alignment illuminates Ramses II statue at Abu Simbel temple

Sun rays illuminated the face of Ramses II's statue inside Abu Simbel temple on Thursday, drawing thousands of visitors from around the world.

• Sun rays penetrated the temple hall 60 meters into the sanctuary at 6:55 AM, lasting 20 minutes.
• More than 6,000 tourists attended, with Japanese visitors in the front rows before the sanctuary.
• Aswan's governor witnessed the phenomenon alongside the crowds, as seven folk art troupes gave closing performances.
• Ahmed Masoud, director of Abu Simbel antiquities, said the phenomenon recurs twice yearly, on October 22 and February 22.
• Aswan Governor Amr Lashin said he oversaw coordination among security, culture, tourism and antiquities authorities to manage visitor flow.