29 July 2010
Every year, due to Earth’s orbital motion, in early May and early August, the Sun is aligned to the Arc de Triomphe, the famous monument in Paris. In this wonderful phenomenon, the setting Sun shines between the columns of the arc.
Caution: do not look at the Sun directly or through the telescope or any other optical aid. The Sun can only be observed with special scientific equipment. Observe the Sun only under the supervision of an astronomy specialist.
The alignment of the triumphal arc to the Sun resembles the alignment of other magnificent monuments, including the Pyramids of Giza, the Great Sphinx and the Great Temple of Abu Simbel.
Every equinox, to an observer directly facing the Sphinx, the Sun sets behind the right shoulder of the Sphinx, or beyond the southern foot of the Pyramid of King Khephren, due to the east-west alignment of the Sphinx and the pyramids. Similarly, on 21 February and 21 October, the rising Sun illuminates the sanctuary of the Great Temple of Abu Simbel, a phenomenon known as the “Wonder of the Sun”.
It has been presumed that the dates of the wonder of the Sun commemorate the birth and coronation of King Ramesses II (1279-1213 BC), the builder of the temples of Abu Simbel, but there is no evidence in support of this postulate, and it is widely believed that Ramesses II accessed throne in late May 1279 BC.
Further Reading
A Change of Seasons
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Bibliography
Introduction à l’astronomie - Actualité de l'astronomie
Wikipedia
Aymen Mohamed Ibrahem
Senior Astronomy Specialist