The magnificent Temple of Karnak is the largest religious complex ever built in history. It is also the second most visited archaeological area in Egypt, following to the mighty Pyramids of Giza.

 

Karnak features epic wonders of ancient Egypt, such as the Hypostyle Hall, and the Standing Obelisk of Queen Hatshepsut (1473-1458 BCE).

 

Fig (1)

"Karnak Under Nighttime Sky"

http://www.astronomie.de/fachbereiche/astrofotografie/2005/17/a-canopus.jpg

Click on the image to enlarge

Photo by Aymen Ibrahem, PSC, Senior Astronomy Specialist

 

On 12 March 2005, PSC astronomer Aymen Ibrahem pictured the starry night sky over the Avenue of the Rams, Karnak Temple. The photo shows the southern winter constellations (star patterns). The brightest star, visible between the two rams, in the middle, is Canopus, the second brightest star in the entire sky.

 

This picture was published spring 2005 by the famous German website Astronomie.de as Astrofoto der Woche "Picture of the Week".

 

Mr. Ibrahem was fascinated by his visit to Karnak. "It is incredibly fascinating to tour the magnificent temple at night," said Mr. Ibrahem. "It was like visiting a distant galaxy."

 

 

Aymen Mohamed Ibrahem

PSC, Senior Astronomy Specialist