The sun aligned directly over the Kaaba at the Masjid al-Haram in Makkah today, at 2:18 PM Pakistan time and 12:18 Saudi time. During this time, the sun’s disc will be exactly over the Kaaba, and the Kaaba will have no shadow.
This phenomenon, known as “zero shadow,” happens twice a year at the Masjid al-Haram (Grand Mosque) because of its location between the Equator and the Tropic of Cancer.
The tilt of the Earth’s axis causes the sun to travel at 23.5 degrees north and south of the celestial equator.
During the equinox, the sun is directly overhead at places on the equator.
An astronomer mentioned that people can find the exact direction of the holy Kaaba by putting a stick vertically in the ground.
The Qibla direction is opposite to the stick’s shadow.
The sun aligns over the Kaaba at the Masjid al-Haram twice a year, in May and July.
This is because of the mosque’s location between the equator and the Tropic of Cancer. Today, at 2:18 PM PKT, the sun made its first direct pass over the Kaaba this month.
More about ‘Zero Shadow’ at Kaaba
The “zero shadow” happens twice yearly at the Masjid al-Haram. This is due to its location between the equator and Tropic of Cancer.
The sun reaches 90 degrees, its zenith, during Duhr prayer. Majed Abu Zahra, head of Jeddah Astronomical Society, explains the sun’s 23.5-degree tilt.
This tilt moves the sun between Tropic of Cancer and Tropic of Capricorn yearly. As Earth rotates, countries below 23.5 degrees north or south see this twice yearly.
This depends on their exact latitude. These events happen between equator and tropics of Cancer and Capricorn.
Abu Zahra says during “zero shadow,” people see Kaaba’s direction. This is accurate, similar to smartphone apps.
By putting wooden stick at 12:26 p.m. Riyadh time, qibla is opposite to stick’s shadow. This is because sun is directly above Kaaba. According to Arab News.
To read our blog on “Holy Kaaba cleaning new dates announced by Saudia for 2023,” click here
