TL;DR:
- At 12:27 PM
Mecca time today, the sun will be directly above theKaaba . - This causes
no shadows around the Kaaba, letting Muslims worldwide check theirprayer direction . - The event happens twice a year due to Earth’s tilt and Mecca’s location.
Twice a year, the sun lines up perfectly above the Kaaba, casting no shadows. Today is the second and final time this year. At 12:27 PM local time, the sun will be right above the Kaaba, making all shadows disappear. This moment is important because it helps Muslims everywhere check the exact direction to face during prayer, called the Qibla.This event happens because of how the Earth tilts and moves around the sun. As the sun moves south from the Tropic of Cancer, it aligns with Mecca’s latitude. When this happens, the sun reaches its highest point in the sky over the city, about 89.5 degrees above the horizon. Vertical objects won’t cast shadows during this time.
What Is the Solar Zenith Over the Kaaba?
The solar zenith is when the sun sits directly overhead at a specific location. For Mecca, this occurs twice a year. It’s linked to Earth’s 23.5-degree tilt and Mecca’s position at 21.4 degrees north latitude.When the sun hits this point, it lines up so perfectly that vertical objects, like the Kaaba and nearby poles, cast no shadows at all. This is not just a neat trick, it’s practical. Muslims can use this time to confirm the Qibla direction easily.
When Did This Happen Before?
This year, the first solar zenith over the Kaaba was on May 28, 2025. The next one will be on July 16, 2026. So today’s event is the last chance this year to see this alignment.
How Can You Watch or Use This Event?
Today, at 12:27 PM Mecca time (9:27 AM GMT), the sun will be directly above. If you want to check your prayer direction at home, find a sunny outdoor spot. Place a stick or any straight object upright on flat ground. When the sun reaches this point, the stick will cast no shadow.The shadow that does appear just before or after the exact time points exactly away from Mecca. That’s how you can find the Qibla from anywhere with sunlight.
Why Does This Matter?
This event isn’t just for astronomers. It’s a natural way to confirm prayer direction without needing a compass or phone. It connects Muslims worldwide to Mecca in a simple, direct way.
FAQs
- Q: Why does the sun only align over the Kaaba twice a year?
A: Because of Earth’s tilt and orbit, the sun passes Mecca’s latitude only twice annually, usually late May and mid-July.
- Q: Can I see this from outside Mecca?
A: You won’t see the sun directly overhead unless you’re in Mecca, but you can use the shadow method anywhere with sunlight.
- Q: What if it’s cloudy?
A: You won’t be able to see shadows clearly if the sun is blocked by clouds. Try again next year or rely on other methods to find the Qibla.
