SIEM REAP: The 2022 March equinox will occur this coming Monday, 21 March, where temple-goers in Siem Reap will get to behold the mesmerizing sight of the sun rising exactly over the central peak of Angkor Wat.

An equinox occurs when the geometric center of the sun crosses the equator line of the Earth, an event which occurs twice a year. The March equinox, also known as the spring or vernal equinox, marks the first day of spring in the Northern hemisphere.

The Archaeologist and Head of the Department of Preservation of Temples in Angkor Park and Preventive Archeology of the APSARA Authority, Im Sokrithy, has confirmed that temple goers can witness the sun rising exactly over the central peak of the Angkor Wat twice a year, during the two equinoxes.

He added that the alignment of the sun with the Angkor Wat temples is not a coincidence, but rather a feature of the brilliant architectural design, mathematical calculations and astronomical considerations of Khmer ancestors who intentionally planned for, positioned and built the temples to have the sun rise exactly over the top of Angkor Wat during the occurrence of the equinox, to highlight this natural phenomenon. He said that this special event is a miracle that may only be witnessed at the Angkor Wat temple in Cambodia.

In 2022, the special sunrise event over Angkor Wat can be witnessed during the two equinoxes of the year, the first on 21 March, and the second on 22 September.