The Luxor’s Sky Beam Over the Las Vegas Strip

The Luxor opened in 1993 on the Las Vegas Strip, its 30-story pyramid designed by architect Veldon Simpson to evoke ancient Egypt. The beam projected from its apex measures roughly 42.3 billion candela, making it one of the strongest beams of light in the world, reportedly detectable from aircraft flying over Los Angeles on clear nights. Because the building tapers to a point, the Luxor uses angled "inclinator" elevators instead of conventional vertical ones to reach its upper floors. The resort's Egyptian theme extends throughout its grounds, including sphinx and obelisk replicas near the entrance.

Taken April 2008