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Makkah Shadowless Day: Rare Kaaba Alignment!
25 May
Summary
- Sun will be directly over the Holy Kaaba on May 27, 2026.
- This rare alignment last occurred in 1993, happening every 33 years.
- The event is natural, unrelated to extreme weather conditions.
On May 27, 2026, coinciding with the Day of Arafah (9 Zilja 1447 AH), Makkah will witness a rare astronomical phenomenon: the sun will appear directly overhead the Holy Kaaba. This precise alignment will cause shadows to disappear momentarily in the area.
This celestial event is a consequence of Makkah's latitude, situated at approximately 21.4 degrees north. The sun's path between the Equator and the Tropic of Cancer allows it to pass directly overhead twice annually. The coincidence with the Day of Arafah is exceptionally rare, with the last such occurrence noted in 1993.
Astronomers explain that this alignment repeats roughly every 33 years, attributed to the discrepancy between the lunar Hijri calendar and the Gregorian solar calendar. The Saudi National Center for Meteorology has confirmed this is a natural occurrence, not indicative of extreme weather. They emphasize that weather severity depends on various atmospheric factors, advising the public to consult official weather sources.
